Lakewood Informer

Resident generated news about Lakewood, Colorado

Lakewood Informer

Resident generated news about Lakewood, Colorado

CHAC

Unapologetically Chicano

Unapologetically Chicano From the Chicano Humanities & Arts Council Art Show Runs September 5th – October 24th, 2025Opening Reception: First Friday, September 5th | 5 PM – 9 PMSecond First Friday Celebration: October 3rd | 5 PM – 9 PM Lakewood, CO – CHAC Gallery @ 40 West proudly presents Unapologetically Chicano, a six-week immersive art experience celebrating the richness, resilience, and unapologetic pride of Chicano culture. The show opens on First Friday, September 5, 2025, with a vibrant receptionfrom 5 PM to 9 PM, kicking off a powerful run that includes two First Friday events and a full spectrum of Chicano creativity. Curated by Rob & Tammy Yancey, this will be their final exhibition of the year, an artistic tribute to Chicano identity that spans generations and styles, from tradition to modern-day expression. Unapologetically Chicano centers the voices and experiences of a culture that continues to thrive on its own terms. From traditional and contemporary Chicano art to music, food, and community connection, this exhibit is a celebration of heritage, resistance, and joy. The opening reception will feature:● A curated gallery of local and regional Chicano artists● Live music and DJs● Authentic food vendors● A special appearance by Los Compas Car Club, rolling through with classic cars● The Good Ol’ Time Mobile Bar, serving up handcrafted spirits for your enjoyment Don’t miss the second First Friday event on October 3rd, offering another chance to connect with the artists. Whether you’re Chicano or Chicana, or an ally eager to learn, this show invites you to experience the beauty and power of a culture that’s never needed permission to exist. Exhibition Dates:September 5th – October 24th, 2025 Venue:CHAC Gallery @ 40 West7060 W. 16th Ave., Lakewood, CO 80214Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for artist spotlights, event updates, andbehind-the-scenes content.This is more than an art show. It’s a movement.Unfiltered. Unrelenting. Unapologetically Chicano.

Warriors of Palabra Art Exhibition gives voice to the experiences of youth in Juvenile Justice System

From CHAC Chicano Humanities & Arts Council Genesis Gallery (1390 Brentwood, Lakewood Co. 80214) is honored to announce their latest art exhibition Warriors of Palabra, opening July 18th, running through Aug.18th. This unique show addresses the challenges youth face when navigating the juvenile justice, educational, and mental health systems.  Hosted by Huitzilin Warriors, a program under the Denver Healing Generations, it utilizes art to advocate for transformative change in the community. Curator Brenda Vargas invited 10 emerging “Raza” artists to help tell the stories of 10 local youth. The exhibition features each youth’s photo and personal story, alongside a creative portrait crafted by their paired artist, inspired by the youth’s individual journey and experiences. Featured artists include: Guillermo Ruiz, Gabriel Lopez, Santiago Padilla-Jaramillo, Tayz Enriquez-Bañuelos, Diego Flores-Arroyo, Victoria Loosearrow, Brenda Vargas, Mario Santacruz, Aalycia Rodriguez, and Leenz Rivera.  “It is our responsibility to uplift the stories of our youth,” said Vargas. “This show is so special because it’s a collaboration of youths’ storytelling of their lives with the artistry of local artists from Denver/Greeley. Our young people have so much fire, and it’s our duty to fan those flames and keep the movement going.”  “This show is especially dear to our hearts,” said Brenda Gurule, executive director of the   Chicano Humanities Arts Council.  “The Genesis Gallery at Lakewood United Methodist Church (LUMC) is a public space where a plethora of artists and non-profits are housed. It is our pleasure to support the gallery and the Huitzilin Warriors in their efforts to bring this powerful exhibition to the gallery for a month.”   The show previously was on display for just one day in early June, and will be traveling to Chicago in Sept, noted pastor Ben Hensley of LUMC.  “This is a huge honor for the Genesis Gallery to host this exhibition. We are thrilled to give the community here in the Metro area another chance to see it before it moves on to another venue.” Sponsors of the show include the Colorado Folk Arts Council, CHAC, LUMC, DAIF, and the Community Acts Fund.    An artist reception will take place as part of the 40 West Arts District. First Friday celebration on August 1st, from 5-8 pm at Genesis Gallery. Gallery Hours are Monday-Thursday 9 am-1 pm and Saturday 11 am-3 pm   Free and open to the public. For more information, contact.   Genesis Gallery (303) 237-7768   info@lumc.net

CHAC Gallery Presents Summer Solstice Celebration 

From Chicano Humanities and Arts Council (CHAC)   Date: June 20th from 6pm-9:30pm Location: CHAC Gallery @40 West (7060 W. 16th Ave. Lakewood, CO 80214) Summer Solstice Celebration  Come and celebrate the longest day of the year with the Chicano Humanities and Arts Council (CHAC Gallery) on June 20th from 6pm-9:30pm at 7060 W. 16th Ave. Lakewood, CO. For ancient Meso-American communities, the Summer Solstice was a time to celebrate abundance and give thanks for all that the sun provides us. In ancient times, the sun’s position was carefully observed to allow people to track time and make agricultural plans.  Summer Solstice Celebration will feature: vendors, live music by Jon Romero, face painting,  free family sundial workshop, Aztec dancer groupo Huitzilopochtli, fry bread, and a Low Brow Art show.  This event is free and open to the public.  Contact: Event Coordinator Asia Fajardo- Diamond eventcoordinator@chacgallery.org For more information, go to www.chacgallery.org Chicano Humanities and Arts Council (CHAC) CHAC is an inclusive community of all creatives that are dedicated to preserving, showcasing, educating, and reflecting the essence of Chicana/o/x, Latina/o/x, and other multicultural/multiracial communities. 

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