November 2022 Newsletter

A Note from the LCAC Executive Director

Through the grief of losing my parents, I am learning that the best way to honor our ancestors is to thrive and grow. As a Team, we are all learning to face our biggest challenges and evolve as we move forward.

Here are FIVE milestones we accomplished in 2022: 

• Took ownership of two warehouses worth $1.4 Million known as Las Bodegas, located in the La Alma Park Neighborhood
• Opened career opportunities for Youth with our Public Arts Mentoring Program and partners Denver Arts and Venues
• Ofrendas expanded into two schools and held 22 community workshops gathering families to create and heal together
• Supported River Sister Circle’s vision of healing through our historic connection to nature as part of the West Area Plan 
• Made history alongside MSU by presenting the 1st All-State Mariachi Youth Ensemble at the Viva Southwest Mariachi Festival

The next two years will be VITAL to building a strong financial foundation for running a state-of-the-art community space. Las Bodegas will be a creative hub combining art, collective impact and professional development. This represents the first major investment in Latino art, culture and education in Colorado in over 30 years! 

As the LCAC continues the design and construction process, we must build a grass-roots fundraising coalition to sustainably operate the space once the doors are open, anticipated to open in mid 2024. We already have 53% pledged (between federal, state, and city partners) of the $6 million remodel cost for Las Bodegas.

We have our Business Plan and pro formas in hand (generously funded by Bonfils-Stanton Foundation and the Latino Community Foundation of Colorado) thanks to the excellent work of Keen Independent Research. It is estimated to take approximately $635,000 annually to deliver exceptional programs across digital and visual arts. 

This Season of Gratitude, we proudly invite you to join the LCAC’s grass-roots fundraising community at any amount that you are able to contribute. When we Give, Prosperamos. 

With gratitude, 

Alfredo Reyes

Las Bodegas represents the first major investment in Latino art, culture and education in Colorado in over 30 years!

Holiday Mercado Brings Cheer

From Across The Americas

The gifts you will find at Hijos del Sol create a vibrant ambiance with beautiful decor, accessories and apparel. Our boutique captures the unmistakable spirit of craftsmanship treasured across the Americas.

Holiday Mercado Dates

Saturday, December 3rd, 11 AM - 4 PM

Saturday, December 10th, 11 AM - 4 PM

Currently, we are open by event or by appointment. If you are unable to attend the final holiday hours we are available to take private shopping appointments by calling 303-946-8873.

From Oaxaca to Denver, Folk Art Continues to Enchant

Join us for a special demonstration on December 3rd, from 11am-4pm, at Hijos del Sol with Master Oaxacan carver Augustin Cruz Prudecio. Oaxacan wood carving dates back to ancient times when the ancestors of artisans such as Prudencio’s used this skill for practical uses. 

Augustin’s hope, with sharing this beautiful tradition is to grow appreciation and conserve folk art for generations to come. You will be able to purchase one-of-a-kind works of art, from Prudecio and his family.

Ofrendas Served 850 People

Across The Denver Metro Area

Over eight weeks, the LCAC provided art workshops and mental wellness support to families and youth looking to honor their ancestors for Día de los Muertos by sharing the importance of storytelling. This year's focus was on the healing power that comes from forging our own legacy.

Ofrendas included marigold wreaths, sugar skulls, yarn paintings, alebrijes, and candle decoration. Additionally, we piloted a special workshop centering men’s mental wellness with the use of film photography. Our goal was to tackle the disparity of men who seek out mental wellness support. We increased participation by 20% from last year’s programming!

A Special Thank You To All Our Sponsors

Celebrating Community: The Viva Southwest Mariachi Festival was

a Huge Success

Footage courtesy of Eric Einstein Photography

On behalf of the LCAC Board and Team, thank you for joining us at Viva Southwest Mariachi Festival. The amazing participation you witnessed on September 25th at the Levitt Pavilion Denver with Viva Southwest and the All-State Youth Mariachi Group is just the beginning! Take a look at the VSMF 2022 Recap, and feel free to share with your colleagues.

As a small token of our appreciation, we are sharing the full set of professional photographs taken during the event by Photographer Eric Einstein! We will also be releasing the video footage of the performances, provided by DigiZūk in the near future. Stay Tuned!

Thank You to All our Sponsors and Partners

We send support and best wishes to the LGBTQIA+ community in Colorado Springs, and all those impacted by gun violence. This is a truly tragic pattern plaguing our nation that words simply cannot capture; at the LCAC, we stand for love, shared understanding, and healing. We believe there is no place for hate and violence in a healthy democracy. Art can lead the way to freedom and justice.

LCAC Denver \ Colorado

www.LCAC-Denver.org

@LCACdenver

303-698-0880