|
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.
|