Fresh Voices Exhibit Catalog

Fresh Voices

celebrating Latino heritage through the art of digital media

in progress proudly presents

Fresh Voices

celebrating Latino heritage through the art of digital media Fresh Voices features the digital photography work of a small community of Latino artists living in Crookston Minnesota.

The images presented in this catalog reflect the pride, cultural understanding, and at times frustration carried by the young people that have grown up in this rural farm community. Crookston is located in the northwestern region of Minnesota and is home to several generations of Latino families.

The works represented within this catalog were created between 1996 and 2012, mostly by artists who were under the age of twenty. They were all created through the use of digital cameras and computers and were then curated and presented publicly with the assistance of the following: Mentors & Artists Gilbert Hernandez Tomas Leal Bienvenida Matias Kristine Sorensen Becca Rodriguez Cristina Rodriguez Sai Thao Fresh Voices provides a place for public voice amongst those least represented -- youth and the Latino community. Activities are focused on arts and leadership development for youth living in communities that have a significant populations of Latino immigrants. Youth involved in this program have opportunities to create digital media works, network with other young artists and present their work in public venues that ultimately raise the visibility of Latinos within their community. cover art by Desiree Ramirez 2012

Fresh Voices - featured artists In Progress Artist Since

In Progress Artist Since

Jaquelyn Mendoza

2012

Jennifer Estafania Alvarez

2010

Hannah Rice

2012

Alicia Figueora

2000

Miguel Hernandez

2010

Linda Fuentes

2000

Fabian Morales

2012

VIcky Ramirez

2001

Gabriel Ibarra

2005

Felipe Hernandez

1996

Isaiah Gatica

2009

Gabrielle Puente (RIP)

2002

Guadalupe Hernandez

2010

Suzy Puente

2002

Selena Hernandez

2010

Lenelle Puente

2002

Gabriella Hernandez

2012

Lupe Puentes

1999

Esperanza Hernandez

2010

Gilbert Hernandez

1996

Milton Ruben Fernandez

2012

Victoria Abrigo Ramirez

1998

Desiree Ramirez

2010

Rebecca Rodriguez

2002

Cristina Rodriguez

2000

D’Analiesia Delacruz

2010

Tomas Leal

1996

Isabel Hernandez

2010

Isabel Rodriguez

2010

I am proud to be Mexican because being Mexican is the most beautiful thing that ever happened to me. Too many people tell me I wouldn’t like being Mexican because they “SUCK” at everything. But they are wrong.

I show them that “Yes we can do Everything.”

“Yes” I can do it!

Jaquelyn Mendoza 2012

Here is the doorway that opens the passage to life and its reality. Whether you choose to physically or mentally open it, you will begin the process of learning new ways of how others experience the art of life. Open the door and you will open new ways of appreciating all that life has to offer.

Cristina Rodriguez 2002

Unique - that’s what they are. No one will change the. No one will tell them they can’t. Just like the Latina culture, they will grow with dignity and pride.

Hannah Rice 2012

Many Mexicans came to the United States to work in the fields.

They worked long hard hours just to earn a future for their children. I think that Latinos deserve great respect. We work hard and to fit in to the towns we live in. Half the time it doesn’t work but we don’t care.

We work hard to earn money to support our families, so laboring in the fields only means that we are willing to take on the most difficult challenges for the ones we love.

We don’t care what people think.

We don’t care if they look down on us. We are too busy doing what needs to be done to make our way in this “American” culture.

Miguel Hernandez & Tommy Gonzalez 2012

THE AMERICAN DREAM - for so many of us this “American Dream” seems almost impossible to attain.

But when you reach “it...” no matter who you are, even if your roots are that of a “gangster,” you know that you can do and be anything!

Fabian Morales 2012

Flowers are beautiful. They are bright and colorful. They are just like me a bright and colorful little Latina girl!

Galilea Rodriguez 2012

We are the children of the sunflower fields. Our parents and grandparents came here to work in the fields. they raised their children here. Now we live here, there, and everywhere.

We are like the flowers in the fields, blowing and growing, taking root in the ground.

People think we are beautiful like the golden sun smiling down. We are everywhere, in the whole fifty states of this country.

Tabitha Luna 2002

A proud Mexican American, overcoming all stereotypes. Living life to the fullest everyday, but never forgetting where he comes from.

Designed by nature, or made by god’s hand.

With my past haunting me, and my father figure in prison, it’s hard for me to express myself sometimes. People know I’m not the best person in the world, but I try. I’ve been locked up behind steel doors due to breaking the law repeatedly.

I’ve been on probation for the past two years. There’s a list of things I’ve been charged with, but with my friends and family have always stayed behind me, I’ve been able to change for the better.

I know I’m not perfect, but who is?

The things I’ve done in my past sometimes makes me wonder.

“Am I god’s child, or satin’s angel”? You can look at me and decide for yourself, but I know who I really am.

A proud Mexican American.

I am Gabriel Ibarra.

Gabriel Ibarra 2012

My family is my faith. They are the one’s that make me a stronger person. They make me who I am. They are the pieces of my heart and if I were to ever lose them I would be nothing. My family and faith are really important to me and are what keeps me going.

Isaiah Gatica 2012

Do you see me as a jock, smoker, a person with friends that are not like yours, poor, weak. Do you know that I don’t care what you see me as, unless you see me for “who” I really am - Native and Latino.

Guadalupe Hernandez 2012

My eyes see people inside and out My eyes see inside of you My eyes can tell if your ok My eyes see the inner you My eyes see the real you.

Tabitha Luna 2002

I’m looking forward to the future where we as Latinos will be able to do whatever we want without feeling weird, left out, or different because of our race.

I look forward to when we can all come out of the darkness.

Selena Hernandez 2012

I'm strong like a tree. Roots will always remain in Crookston.

The leaves of a tree are like my dreams they reach to the sky. It makes me proud to be Latino.

Gabriella Hernandez 2012

When I see the Mexican Flag it reminds me of the culture my grandfather passed on to my father and my father passed on to me.

The culture is strong and so am I. Esperanza Hernandez 2012

I am proud to be Mexican.

It gives me a beautiful color of my skin and that I speak Spanish and I love the food of Mexico because it’s really delicious.

Melany Mendoza 2012

My name is Milton Ruben Fernandez I am Guatemalan I am Jewish And I am proud to be Latino Milton Ruben Fernandez 2012

How do you see me?

What do you think when you see this picture?

Who do you think I am?

Do you know who I am?

Can you see me when I sit in the back of the class?

Do you know the story of my family?

The history that made me who I am?

How do you really see me now?

Desiree Ramirez 2012

During the latter decades of the 20th century tattooing became a popular social practice worldwide. Its popular for the younger people. Over the past 50-100 years it has become more acceptable for ordinary people.

Many Latinos show their cultural pride in the design of their tattoos. They celebrate the Guadalupe and the flag.

They honor loved ones passed. Tattoos amongst our community carry great pride!

People spend a lot of money for tattoos. Some people say it’s a waste of time but I find nothing wrong with them. I like that people don’t care what others say. Tattoos are a part of today and history’s part of life.

Guadalupe Hernandez 2012

There was a time when people came to Crookston and worked and then left.

Slowly people decided to stay, and with that, built a foundation and a place to call home in this small rural community. It was a place where the population of Hispanics was extremely small.

Today there are generations of families living here and the Hispanic community is truly visible to the public eye.

We are growing as a people and with more time we expect to grow even more in numbers and visibility.

We are here to stay! portrait of Felipe Hernandez, one of the first Latinos hired by the city of Crookston, MN Cristina Rodriguez 2012

The struggle to keep our culture alive in a society that’s not like us, often seems insurmountable.

Yet we thrive to keep going and to be proud of who we are.

At times society will try to hold us back with the images they portray us to be, but we keep fighting and we keep moving forward!

Cristina Rodriguez 2012

I like my culture because…..

Of my beautiful long hair and my big brown eyes and how we can speak a different language than other people.

I like how we dress different and wear our makeup. Different… because we like to represent ourselves I like my history because my grandma has told the stories of our ancestors.

But the main thing is I love is to be brown and proud!!

D’Analiesia Delacruz 2010

I’m glad to be brown but that doesn’t make me different than others.

I’m just a person like the rest of the people in the world.

I was born and raised on this land - a white land.

So I’m no different than others.

Guadalupe Hernandez 2010

To leave El Salvador is to leave the past behind. . . to sacrifice our bond, to family, ceremony and land. So many have left the poverty and violence for hopes of bettering existence.

It’s a difficult path filled with hope and guided by faith.

So many have died along the way, their deaths unnoticed as they travel alone to a new world. As they walk they carry El Salvador in their hearts and the colors of the flag on their back.

They wander the d e s s e r t s a n d t h e fi e l d s searching for a new home.

They climb fences and cross borders taking El Salvador with them where ever they go.

Don’t hate us because we are Salvadorian, hate the conditions that drove us to leave El Salvador.

Jennifer Estafania Alvarez 2010

My mom had a really hard childhood. She ended up both as an only child and an orphan. She struggled so I could have more in this life.

I am so glad that they had my mother, otherwise I wouldn't even be here and I would be missed.

Alicia Figueroa 1999

Never be disappointed by what other people think. Look, listen, take it all in. Use their words and images to make you feel stronger about who you are.

Don’t look at the hate and racism. Look through it. We are all one and equal, from Black to White to Spanish to Asian. Look at yourself and love yourself for who you are.

Cristina Rodriguez 2001

They say roses are red and violets are blue but the truth is the world turns and so do you people change to be cool some change to be fools some change for the best some change for less but day in and day out I don’t get stressed some people feel good some people feel ashamed but life for me seems just like a game cause you gotta’ get what you can it’s a race to the end so the world turns and people change Tomas Leal 1997

Keep Out portrait of Trina Hernandez puerto rican - american blackfoot Becca Rodriguez 2010

Chicano portrait of Miguel Hernandez puerto rican - mexican - blackfoot Becca Rodriguez 2010

I am the invisible man. Some call me Lupe Puentes.

The few who know me, call me Blaze. I am seventeen years old and I live on the streets.

The streets are my family. I am learning, just beginning to find my voice, my talents.

Someday you will know my name. My artwork will find you and tell you my story.

Lupe Puentes 1999

Many years ago before we were born, our parents crossed the Rio Bravo to give us a better life. Our parents have worked hard to learn a new language and different customs. It hasn’t been easy for them. But they have taught us so much They have taught us to be proud of who we are and what we believe in.

They taught us to cook tamales and tortillas so we will remember the masica of our homeland.

They taught us to live a good life and celebrate our culture.

They taught us to honor those who have died and to hold on to our memories of them.

They taught us to be a family, to stick together no matter what, la familia.

Linda Fuentes & Vicky Ramirez 2003

Ten Truths: 1. We are Mexican Americans 2. We are strong 3. We carry our faith with us 4. No one can take our culture 5. We struggle to preserve our language 6. The Virgin De Guadalupe is the symbol of religion 7. We are proud to be Aztec Warriors 8. We stand for what we believe in 9. Our children carry the torch of our Mexican heritage 10. We will not forget where we came from

Felipe Hernandez 2001

This is what is most important to me: my life as a boxer, my faith, and my heritage.

Staying as a resident of Crookston allows me to give back to my community, stay close to my family and get a good “home cooked� meal from my mom.

Felipe Hernandez 2000

I am a proud Mexican and I am a proud Puerto Rican.

I am a proud Native American & I am a proud brown man.

Miguel Hernandez 2010

Who am I is different from all of you. I am unique and special in my very own way. not be I may not be perfect but who are you to judge me. How do you see me? Do you see me as a girl or as a young Latino woman? Do you notice all my flaws? Do my big brown eyes stick out to you? Does it bother you? Does my skin color bother you? Am I different from you? Maybe . . . .I am simply a young beautiful Latina girl. I am me as I will ever be.

Nothing can ever change me!

Isabel Rodriguez 2012

Mexican girls like to cook for their families. We respect our families and love to cherish God and Jesus. Our lives are always for our family and for love.

Gabrielle (R.I.P.), Lenelle & Suzy Puente 2003

This is the world I brought you into.

You are the one that will teach me how to be a better person.

And as we both get older we will teach one another to grow stronger.

Remember that no matter what happens, you will always be daddy’s little girl.

Isabel & Gilbert Hernandez 2010

These children are neither brown nor white.

They are both.

Which future will you pick for them?

As we grew up we were pushed off our land and hated because of our color.

We keep our dream alive to live for a strong future.

Gilbert Hernandez 1998

Through my eyes I see the culture my parents passed down to me.

Through my eyes I see Latin beauty, food, music tradition, and most importantly - my family.

Through my eyes I learn, so one day I can pass on what I see.

I am Mexican.

I am Puerto Rican.

I am me.

I am a Latina and I am proud to be who I am.

Becca Rodriguez 2010

Some people call us Spanish, Chicanos, or Latinos but I like to call us Mexicans - proud, hard working Mexicans! We are also a family. My forefathers carried our family through good and bad times in their firm, strong hands. The most important things to me are my family, my heritage, and my faith. These are my strength and the backbone of who I am today.

Victoria Abrigo Ramirez 1998

Acknowledgements The Fresh Voices Retrospect would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts and contributions of the local community. With that we would like to thank the following: Families - parents, spouses, siblings, children and friends that supported these artists while they took time to plan and prepare this exhibit, and that continue to support their artistic development with kind words and guidance; Curators & Organizers for giving many extra hours of your time and effort to this project; Artists, Mentors & Volunteers for seeing the extraordinary gifts that exist within the young artists they taught; Partners for sharing opportunities, space and resources in support of workshops and activities; Contributors for providing In Progress with a financial base that allowed for the expense of workshops and exhibits.

We would like to specifically thank: The Minnesota State Arts Board - Arts Access Program First Presbyterian Church Micah Retreat Center University of Minnesota, Crookston Visitors who came and witnessed the work, spoke encouragingly to our artists and shared what they saw with others.

AND to Everyone that supported the creation of the artwork, In Progress would like to say THANK YOU!

In Progress is a fiscal year 2012 recipient of an Arts Access grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the Legacy Amendment vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

www.in-progress.org