Anderson Ranch Arts Center Launches Fall Latinx Community Arts Programming

Aspen/Snowmass, CO (September 2, 2022) — Anderson Ranch Arts Center, a premiere destination for art-making and critical dialog in contemporary arts, is proud to share a new set of programs that will strengthen services to the regional community through Latinx arts and culture offerings. Courtesy of a significant gift generously donated by the J. Christopher and Anne N.  Reyes Foundation, the Ranch has the support to develop and execute a multi-faceted, three-year program with the goal of uniting artists and art enthusiasts around a shared interest in Latinx arts and culture.

“This multifaceted program will allow us to further our standing as a leader in arts education, with a focus specifically on the Latinx community,” said Ranch President and CEO Peter Waanders. He continued, “We are excited about the role Anderson Ranch can serve in our community through shared experiences that bring people together and deepen cultural understanding. We are honored that the Reyes Foundation chose to work with the Ranch. These interrelated programs will have real impact for years to come.”

Upcoming programming under this initiative includes:

National Hispanic Heritage Community Celebration (September 17th, 1-5PM): Anderson Ranch is hosting the second annual National Hispanic Heritage Celebration. This free gathering welcomes all community members to attend and enjoy an afternoon of music, dance, food and art activities for all ages. The family-owned Axkawa: Señor Taco Show will serve authentic cuisine for lunch along with sweet treats for dessert by Colorado Fruit Design. A vibrant afternoon of music and dancing is scheduled to include the following performers: Mezcla Socials Dance, The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklórico, Los Mocochetes and DJ Joeli Villa. Community partners attending with interactive exhibits include Basalt Public Library and The Aspen Music Festival and School.

Latinx Visiting Artists Program (September 18 – October 14): Anderson Ranch is welcoming Latinx artists Rafael Fajardo and Ricky Armendariz to campus this fall. They will be at the Ranch working as Visiting Artists in the studios and participating in the Latinx Arts and Education Workshop and Finding Your Voice: Culture and Community in Latinx Art public lecture.

Latinx Arts and Education Workshop (October 8, 2022, 9:30AM-5PM): local teachers and community leaders are invited to take mini-workshops in Ranch studios with Latinx Visiting Artists Rafael Fajardo and Ricky Armendariz, and learn how to apply custom-built Latinx Art Curriculum to their own educational spaces. 

Public Lecture: Finding Your Voice: Culture and Community in Latinx Art (October 8, 2022, 4-5PM):  Latinx Visiting Artists Rafael Fajardo and Ricky Armendariz will be joined by artist Lilian Lara and Executive Director of Voces Unidas, Alex Sánchez for a public lecture that will address cultural stewardship and how to bolster artistic excellence in the Latinx community in Colorado and beyond.

Day of the Dead Art Activity (October 29, 10:30AM-12:30PM): Anderson Ranch Arts Center and Basalt Library are partnering for a second year to present a Day of the Dead Art Activity that is free and open to the public. Hosted by the library, participants of all ages will create an altar with mixed media materials including paper, wood and other colorful supplies in honor of a loved one.

2023 Latinx Youth Summer Workshop Scholarships: Anderson Ranch has created a Latinx Scholarship Program which invites local schools to nominate one current student to participate in a summer workshop. Scholarship support covers the cost of tuition, studio supplies, and registration fees. This summer, 6 students received scholarships and attended workshops at the Ranch. Due to robust support for this program, approximately 8 students will be welcomed to the Ranch to participate in children’s and youth workshops free of charge in the summer of 2023.

With this much-anticipated programming now in place, the Ranch encourages all community members to participate in and enjoy the shared experiences these gatherings provide.