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Celebrar! Del Mar College marking 10th Annual Mexican American Studies Summer Seminar with “Arte, Cultura y MAS” on July 27

12

July

2024

|

16:16 PM

Europe/Amsterdam

Free one-day immersion experience at Heritage Campus to expose participants to Mexican American culture, heritage and history that makes South Texas an enriching place to live

Article by Melinda Eddleman

Expand your knowledge, embrace your heritage. Del Mar College’s annual Mexican American Studies Summer Seminar is where education meets inspiration.

Javier Morin, Professor of Spanish and Mexican American Studies Program Coordinator

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An event that’s sure to enlighten, educate and engage this year’s participants, the seminar opens with welcoming remarks by Folklorico dancer and educator Teresa Saldivar, who has participated with the MAS Summer Seminar for several years. Later in the day, she will give a general session presentation, “A  History of Dance in South Texas: From the Perspective of a Professional Dancer.” A Del Mar College and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) alumna, Saldivar studied Ballet Folklorico in Vera Cruz and Oaxaca, Mexico, through the Rotary Club study exchange program.

Folklorico Dancer and Educator Teresa Saldivar

Where education meets inspiration, Del Mar College and the Mexican American Studies (MAS) Program will hold the 0th Annual MAS Summer Seminar on Saturday, July 27, on the Heritage Campus. The free one-day immersion event features several presentations, including Folklorico dancer and educator Teresa Saldivar’s session titled “A History of Dance in South Texas: From the Perspective of a Professional Dancer.” Saldivar has been a presenter during the seminar for several years and continues to share traditional and captivating Folklorico dances while educating participants about this unique form of dance originating in Mexico. (Credit: contributed)

Artist Santa Barraza_Photo Credit to Juan Lopez Johnson

Kingsville native and renowned artist Santa Barraza will present the opening Mike M. Anzaldua, Jr. Keynote Address during Del Mar College’s 10th Annual Mexican American Studies Summer Seminar scheduled Saturday, July 27, on the Heritage Campus. The contemporary artist will present “The voice of Chicana/Tejana art” as part of programming covering the rich culture and history defining Mexican American heritage. During the one-day immersion seminar. (Credit: Juan Lopez Johnson)

Renowned artist Santa Barraza will present “The voice of Chicana/Tejana art” as the honorary Mike M. Anzaldúa, Jr. Keynote Speaker to begin the event. The Kingsville native is a contemporary Chicana/Tejana artist and founder of Barraza Fine Art, LLC, a gallery and studio committed to furthering the appreciation of the visual arts at the Borderlands and among isolated, rural populations by showcasing creative talent.

Mural Queens of Corpus Christi_Monica Marie Garcia and Mayra Zamora

Mural Queens of Corpus Christi_Monica Marie Garcia and Mayra Zamora

Among other presenters is the iconic artist duo Mayra Zamora and Monica Marie Garcia, who are known as the “Mural Queens of Corpus Christi.” Zamora, who was born in Austin and raised in Tivoli, is a freelance artist who works with local nonprofit organizations in Corpus Christi. The TAMU-CC bachelor and master’s degrees graduate has created artwork for Whataburger, Stripes Convenience Stores, Laredo Taco Company and K Space Contemporary art gallery, among other clients. Corpus Christi native Garcia holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from TAMU-CC and is known for her transformative murals that breathe life into ordinary walls, turning them into extraordinary canvases that tell stories of community and culture by capturing the essence of Corpus Christi and South Texas. As a pillar in the city’s art education scene for the past 15 years, Garcia empowers students of all ages through her step-by-step methods and inspires their own passion, artistic energy and creativity.

Master Sous Chef Cody Fitzpatrick

Master Sous Chef Cody Fitzpatrick

Additionally, popular presenter Chef Cody Fitzpatrick, a DMC alumnus and master sous chef, returns with his “Cooking with Cody” demonstration. The Central Texas native grew up around the restaurant industry, helping his dad prep, cook and taste the recipes they prepared together. He brings his passion for food, along with the exploration of the rich history of Mexico through the use of vanilla in traditional cuisine, as he delves into the significance of this versatile ingredient and its impact on Mexican culinary heritage. Participants will have the unique opportunity to experience the flavors of Mexico in a whole new way during this final session of the day!

The seminar also includes several other sessions throughout the day, along with an exhibit hall showcasing local artists. The general schedule for July 27 is as follows:

8 to 8:30 a.m.                        Registration and Breakfast
8:35  to 9:20 a.m.                  Welcome and Keynote Address
9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.          Exhibit Hall Open    
9:25 to 10:10 a.m.                 Concurrent Sessions

De Generación en Generación: Three Generations of Texas Chicano/a Artists
• Migrant Life: A Photo Presentation
• Get MAS at the DMC Libraries!
• The Mexican Revolution and Immigration to the United States
• Meet the MAS Faculty! Panel Discussion

About Del Mar College

Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.

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