arte
August|September 2010
LATINO CULTURE MAGAZINE
LA
art.music.culture.travel
Pursuing a Dream Story by Maria Perez
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STO P
THE VIOLENCE stop killing our children 2
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EDITORS NOTE: Who am I? It’s an unavoidable question many Latinos ask themselves. A large amount of Latinos residing in the United States come from another country. Coming to the United States isn’t only a struggle to belong but it is also a life and death risk. In this issue, a woman shares her story of crossing the border to try and pursue her dream. With all of the everyday struggles¸ we have to remember to always be in touch with our roots and embrace our culture and traditions. Art has always been a significant part of the Latino culture. Since I was a child I saw art everywhere, specially growing up in the Little village neighborhood. Everywhere you walked there was art. Whether it was a mural on the wall of the Virgin Mary or graffiti art, it was everywhere. It was then when my passion began for drawing and painting. In the arte section, you will see the artwork of talented local Latinos. You will also see how latin music has influenced the American culture. Enjoy and don’t forget to visit our best latino restaurants and upcoming events!
ARTE MAGAZINE OFFICE 2745 S. Kedvale CHICAGO IL. 60623 General: (312) 226-0151 Editorial: (312) 226-0153
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arte LATINO CULTURE MAGAZINE
EDITORIAL Editor in-Chief ARACELI PEREZ Managing Editor ELISE MARTINEZ Copy Editor CHRIS GILL DESIGN Art Director ARACELI PEREZ Web Development JESSE GARCIA Graphic Design ARACELI PEREZ CONTRIBUTING STYLIST AND MODELS Scott Ichikawa, Iris Rosales, Maria Perez PHOTOGRAPHY Araceli Perez
FEATURES
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SPECIAL THANKS Maria Blanca Perez, Alex Rosales, Daisy Lobato, Jasmine Luevano, Martin Perez, Maricruz Barrera ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS La Villita Univision Arte y Vida Chicago Latin Pulse Music Gas mask Catalogue Ration Nation arte Magazine is printed on paper sourced from companies that practice sustainable forest management.
a c i s mu
7 Pursuing a Dream 8-10
Restaurant reviews 12 EVENTS 13
Travel 14
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arte
a c i mus introducing new
The artist behind this master piece is Jasmine Luevano. She is a very talented Puerto Rican artist. “I enjoy anything artistic from photography to graffiti.” This acrylic painting was inspired by the painter Sylvia Ji. _Jasmine Luevano
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Eddie Guillen is not your typical Latino musician. For him there is much more than just salsa and reggeaton. His open mind to music has made him who he is today. Eddie is part of a band that goes by the name Gas Mask Catalogue, which consist of 4 members. He is the vocalist and he also plays the guitar. During our interview I asked Eddie what are his influences in music, he replied “Our influences range from lots of genres. From Rap to Classical, From Death Metal to Black metal, From Polka to Country,” and his list just goes on, I have to say I was impressed at how diverse he was towards his music.
I love music and my influences come from every corner of the music spectrum.
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Their journey began in 2007 when they discovered they each had a talent and they all shared the same passion. Now 3 years later they have become very popular in the north west suburbs. They have events every weekend and they have a large amount of fans and supporters. He says the best thing about being in a band is being in a band with friends with your best friends. Eddie plans to continue making music where ever life takes him. I love and appreciate beauty and that is the reason why I love drawing and painting self portraits. 6
-Araceli Perez
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PURSUING A DREAM
Maria is pictured at the Mexican Independece parade in Little Village 2010
M
artin Luther had a dream, I have a dream and a lot of Latinos have just one dream. A dream that is so simple and most people take for granted, a dream that is literally a life and death struggle. Everyday hundreds of immigrants try to cross the border, some make and some fail. Unfortunately failing to cross the border means that they had a heat stroke, dehydrated or drowned. These are the consequences immigrants face while trying to pursue their dream. The reason why many Latinos want to come into the United States is to seek a better future. That is the reason why Maria chose to cross the border illegally. She was only 18 years old when she married a man that was 15 years older than her. He promised to bring her to the United States, and he promised a bright future. In Mexico it is very common to get married at a young age. Maria was in love and thought she had nothing to lose if she took this opportunity. Maria would like to share her story of crossing the border; the risk, struggles and her dream.
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Maria lived a very poor life in Mexico. She shared a house with her parents, 2 brothers and 3 sisters. They lived in a wooden house and lived in a very poor life. The day of September 9th in 1976 she crossed the river with her husband and mother. “It was a night mare,” she said. “It was the most terrifying thing in my life!” Crossing the river is one of the most dangerous ways to cross in to the United States. Every year many immigrants drown trying to cross the border. Every year about 300 and plus immigrants die trying to cross the border. Maria knew and heard many stories but she remained optimistic. Her husband did what many Mexicans do trying to cross the border, they hired a “Coyote.” A coyote is a person that guides them and helps them to get to the other side of the border. Maria and Jesus have relatives in the Illinois area so they’re first apartment was in the Palatine. 9
Due to their illegal status, they were forced to work in factories and low paying jobs. Once they got settled in, Jesus found a job in a steel company where he worked for 32 years. Maria went back to school to get her g.e.d and also became a citizen of the United States in 2000. They have 3 sons and 1 daughter all who have a very successful life thanks to their parents.
la mejor cerveza
35 years after crossing the border,
Maria and her husband live a very comfortable life in Oak Lawn. They have 3 grandchildren and one on the way; they also have a bichon puppy that is treated like their own son. Life couldn’t be any better for the Perez family. Jesus is retired and spends his day playing with his dog and he does all of the house work. He also enjoys going to the park and spending time with family. Maria babysits a 4 year old and a 2 year old girl. They are both of German descent and with Maria’s help they are almost fluent in Spanish. Maria also enjoys spending time with her dog and granddaughters. At the moment she is working on opening her own boutique. This boutique would consist of the newest trends and she would also like to continue making quinceniera dresses like she once did in Mexico.
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Maria picture with husband Jesus and 2 sons in 1982.
Maria says she is very happy with how her life is now, “I came here with nothing and now I feel like I have it all, I live a simple life but I am happy and I wouldn’t have it any other way” Maria tells me she is very proud of her roots but she is also happy to be an American. “So many people get caught up in the wrong dreams, people want expensive cars and jewelry, and all I wanted was a happy home.” Maria ended her story saying “I am so happy my dream came true.”
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Restaurant reviews In Chicago there is much more than just burgers and fries. How about some arros con pollo, jibaritos, or papa rellena? Sounds delicious! Here you will find the most devine latino restaurants with tasteful dishes. So next time you you’re in the mood for a latino dish visit one of the many popular restaurants in the city. Below you will find a list and reviews of the best restaurants.
Mexican INDIEpendance Friday, September 17th 10:30pm Eight58 Lounge
2010 West Armitage Avenue Chicago, IL 60647-4514 (773) 489-3126
CONCERT
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez ft. Le Butcherettes Saturday, September 18th 8:00pm Congress Theater
El Rinconcito is a Peruvian Restaurant that promises not to disappoint you! Bring your appetite and also don’t forget your dancing shoes! I celebrated my 20th birthday with family and friends at El Rinconcito, and I had a wonderful experience. Aside from the food being delightful, the service couldn’t have been better. After 10 they have open bar and great music to dance to! Iris Rosales
Vida Breve: Day of the Dead
National Museum of Mexican Art - 1852 W. 19th St. - Chicago (Little Tuscany)
Brazzaz
The annual exhibit honoring the bicentennial and centennial of Mexico’s independence and revolution features alters and artwork from local and...
539 N Dearborn St Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 595-9000
Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays : 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (ends December 12)
Brazzaz is a Brazilian steakhouse near the northside My girlfriend and I dined at Brazzaz for my birthday. I loved the food and the unlimited meat was delicious! Overall great experience. I loved the food, the service was outstanding. Price is a little high but it is worth every penny! Andres Chapa
Pilsen East Artists' Open House
Pilsen neighborhood - 1800 S. Halsted St. - Chicago (Pilsen/Heart of Chicago/Little Village) Self-guided tours of galleries and private studios along Halsted Street.
Borinquen Restaurant 1720 North California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647-5104 (773) 227-6038
I love to go to Borinquen whether its for lunch or a romantic dinner. Daisy Lobato 12
Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival Friday, September 17th 11:00am Millennium Park
El Rinconcito Sudamericano
Home of the original Jibarito
EVENTS
October 1 : 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. October 2 : 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Rhythm, Rhymes and Revolution: Artist Benefit for Carlos Alberto Torres Where: East Harlem Cafe 1651 Lexington Avenue in El Barrio When: October 17from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
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Travel
Puerto Vallarta
If you are looking for vacation ideas, take a look at these beautiful destinations all over Latin America. Whether you are looking to visit historic places, or just want to relax with your family Apple Vacations is the way to go. Planning a vacation can be very stressful but thanks to the Apple Vacations Representatives your planning will be stress free.We have locations all over world to best suit you and we will ensure the vacation of a lifetime!
Dominican Republic
Hotel Rating:
Voted best Vacation place in 2010!
Have your dream wedding in Puerto Vallarta! Riviera Maya Mexico Hotel Rating:
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To book your wedding/honeymoon or vacation call (321) 542-2000
Puerto Rico
Hotel Rating:
15
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