Becoming Mexica-Arts

Mexica-Arts was created in honor of the my elders who maintained our ancestral language, arts, foods, music and spiritual traditions for all forthcoming generations. As a descendant of Indigenous Mexican elders/ancestors, I am pleased to share the vibrant history and treasured traditions that were maintained by the Mexica's Indigenous ancestors through centuries of time.

 

The Mexica were Nahuatl-speaking indigenous people of the Valley of Mexico whose astounding arts and sciences were important aspects of a highly advanced civilization.  

I grew up in Chicago, Illinois at a time in the U.S. when there was a strong emphasis on the melting pot belief. A belief where ethnic groups were expected to relinquish their ancestors cultures and become part of a new American identity. However the melting pot identity created tension within my family because the elders insisted on maintaining traditions while the younger generations were interested in exploring and enjoying new ways of living. Similar tensions are still occurring today.

 

Chicago provided me with easy access to diverse arts and culture. Later I briefly lived in San Francisco, California and Phoenix, Arizona. I lived in rural N.W. Ohio for 20 years, and currently reside in Fort Wayne, the second largest city in Indiana. While experiencing and enjoying rural traditional arts I also noticed the stark limitations of diverse cultural arts whenever I traveled the Midwest. I believe learning about diverse cultures, our similarities and differences, is an important aspect of life in a multicultural world. 

​

The arts are part of a universal language. Yet lack of representation for diverse people in the arts limits cultural exchanges/appreciation. The challenges to overcome appropriators and negative stereotypes of women, minorities, the disabled and people of color is very difficult. It deeply concerns me when cultural appropriation occurs, i.e., people/organizations use cultural, traditional arts, for personal gain while sidelining indigenous people from teaching/sharing  own traditions and art forms. Healthy communities are inclusive beginning at the decision making levels to the community levels. The arts are a wonderful medium to build bridges of appreciation, understanding and enjoyment for past, present and future generations.

​

More colors in the crayon box provides more lights, darks, shades, contrasts, textures and rich representations,  

​