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The first Project AZTECA undertook
was the development and implementation of an event
to observe the quincentennial of Columbus' discovery
of America. That event was the 1992 Quincentennial
-- Cinco de Mayo Parade. The parade route along Southwest
Boulevard encompassed both Missouri and Kansas sides
of the state line, reminiscent of the parades in the
40's and 50's. Over 50 entrants and 500 marchers participated
that first year. Today the parade has become an annual
event with entrants from all over our diverse community.
In 1994, AZTECA began sponsoring a two-day fiesta
to complement the parade. Over the course of two days
an estimated 9,000 people attended the fiesta. In
2000 the fiesta expanded to a third day and in 2001
estimated attendance was over 30,000. The fiesta has
always been a showcase for local entertainers, folkloric
dancers and artists. In 2000 national acts were added
to the fiesta and in 2001 the first ever fireworks
extravaganza was added.
In November of 1993 AZTECA called for a meeting of
Latino folkloric performing artists and groups to
determine what could be done to further promote these
talents. Subsequent meetings led to the formation,
in January 1194, of the Coalition of Performing Latino
Artists (COPLA). COPLA is dedicated to promoting and
preserving the traditional music and dance of Latin
nations.
In April of 1994 AZTECA produced "An Evening
with COPAL" at Pierson Auditorium at the University
of Missouri Kansas City. Area folkloric groups were
showcased to a sell out audience.
In October 1995, AZTECA produced "Celebracion
De Los Artistas Latinos" at Seville Square on
the Country Club Plaza. This two day celebrated the
art and dance of the Latin Americas. The work of 10
Latino artists was exhibited on the main floor while
folkloric dancers performed on an upper level. AZTECA
also developed the Guild of Latino Fine Arts, which
was created to promote Latino fine artists and their
work. The Guild has held art fairs at Fiesta Hispania
in 1995 and 1996. Guild members also exhibited at
the 2nd Annual Latino Expo held at Bartle Hall, Kansas
City, Missouri. The Guild sponsored its first art
gallery show November 1, 1996 garnering Positive reviews
from Kansas City Star art critic, Alice Thorson. A
second gallery show for Mexican American artists was
held at the EL Dorado Gallery in July 1997.
In 1998, Azteca in along with Kaw Valley Arts and
Humanities sponsored two murals "Anthology of
Argentine" a two block long mural along Metropolitan
Ave in Kansas City, Kansas and the "South Slavic
Heritage Mural" at 719 Minnesota Avenue in downtown
KICK.
In 2000 and 2001, Azteca in partnership with Mattie
Rhodes Counseling and Art Center sponsored seven joint
exhibitions showcasing local and national Latino art
and artists at the Mattie Rhodes Art Gallery.
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