Your MesaZona blogger first Zarco met back in June 2015 in a visit to his studio/workshop when he was working in designs for mandalas super-sized into iron rounds mounted on the exterior of El Rancho del Arte and a mega-super-sized 10-foot red neon sculpture on the exterior of El Rancho del Sol - two phases on one of the City of Mesa's forays into innovative, equitable and affordable housing by Eric and Kyle Payne's Community Development Partners.
More about his works there - and in "A Portal To The Past" can be seen in related links farther down after this more recent article:
FROM MESAZONA BLOG ARCHIVES:
Sunday, November 01, 2015
AZ Big Media Recognizes Mesa-born Artist Zarko Guerrero
Artist inspires Mesa multifamily development
http://azbigmedia.com/azre-magazine/new-market/multi-family/artist-inspires-mesa-multifamily-development
Take the time to hit the link.
The important part of an artist in Creative Place Making
Rancho del Arte is featured in three posts on this site, latest on October 15 for the grand opening.
The project features multiple artistic components to inspire and motivate the residents to partake in the creative process. Mandalas, is a Sanskrit word that means “circle,” are integrated into the building’s exterior. The Mandalas at El Rancho del Arte include environmental features, natural shapes, forms, and patterns which are found on historical baskets and pottery in the Mesa, AZ region. Additionally, the building’s staircases feature quotes from contemporary thought leaders such as Winston Churchill, César Chavez, and Henry Ford, as well as ancient thinkers and quotes such as Socrates, an African Proverb, and a Mayan saying.
Zarco Guerrero, an acclaimed local artist and longtime Mesa resident whose work was an integral component of the building design, states, “My job as an artist is to orientate people geographically. I have been wanting to communicate the ancient history of this area, and the symbols on the Mandalas at El Rancho integrate those historical symbols. They call our attention, they engage us while connecting us together in a shared ancient past. For me this is what art should do.” As a sculptor, mask-maker and performance artist, Guerrero has exhibited and received international acclaim and many prestigious awards.
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Sunday, September 19, 2021
SPECIAL FEATURE POST: Zarco Guerrero
Your MesaZona blogger first Zarco met back in June 2015 in a visit to his studio/workshop when he was working in designs for mandalas super-sized into iron rounds mounted on the exterior of El Rancho del Arte and a mega-super-sized 10-foot red neon sculpture on the exterior of El Rancho del Sol - two phases on one of the City of Mesa's forays into innovative, equitable and affordable housing by Eric and Kyle Payne's Community Development Partners.
More about his works there - and in "A Portal To The Past" can be seen in related links farther down after this more recent article:
Zarco Guerrero, a Man of Many Faces in Mesa, AZ
Mask maker Zarco Guerrero uses his art as a tool for positive change in the community, celebrating cultural diversity.
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"Chicano artist Zarco Guerrero is a sculptor, mask maker and performance artist in Mesa, Arizona, creating positive social change through his art which includes music, poetry and theater.
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5th Annual Luncheon Honorees - Carmen & Zarco Guerrero Vignette
Guerrero has exhibited and received international acclaim and many prestigious awards. He’s the founder of Xico, Inc, the Cultural Coalition, Inc, and has been instrumental in the development of Latino Arts throughout the state of Arizona.
Watch the video above to learn more about Guerrero’s one-of-a-kind masks, or read the full interview transcription below (lightly edited for clarity).
Chicano Artist Zarco Guerrero
Zarco Guerrero (00:08) – My name is Zarco Guerrero. I’m from Mesa, Arizona, I’m a Chicano artist. I do sculpture, and I do mask making. And I celebrate our vibrant cultural diversity here in the Valley.
(00:25) – I work in various mediums. Here in my studio, it’s obvious that I do a lot of wood carving. I have in the past. I was on a mission for many years to carve as many masks in as many different styles as I could.
(00:43) – Why mask? Because it allows us to disappear. When I put on a mask, I feel like I’m disappearing. Zarco’s gone. Now it’s that character who has to be brought to life. So the mask conceals who I am. But now it reveals another character.
The Art of Mask Making
ZG (01:08) – Two hardest parts are getting started because, you know, regardless of how many decades I’ve been doing this, there’s always some apprehension. Am I going to be able to do this the way I see it? So you begin with that, but that very quickly fades. And you know, the enthusiasm to get it done.
(01:32) – And before you know it, you reach a point where… yeah, this is finished, or this is as far as I can take it. And getting to that point is a little bit difficult. But that’s part of being an artist. You can’t just start something, you have to finish it.
(01:52) – Well, my favorite part is, when I make a mask, making it is one thing, but to have someone wear the mask, and for that person to bring the mask to life. That’s where I really get my thrills from, from seeing that. And now this inanimate object is dancing, is breathing, is moving, is chanting. To me, it’s fascinating. It’s like creating, making my own movies.
Celebration of Cultural Diversity
ZG (02:22) – Art can be a tool to do many things. And I think we want to use it as a tool for positive change in our community. What’s fascinating about this community and probably many communities around the country, is what I call a renaissance, a rebirth of cultural celebration, and especially amongst families of Mexican descent.
(02:46) – And what’s fascinating is that a lot of these kids, these young kids, they don’t speak Spanish. They’ve never been to Mexico, and many times their parents were born in this country, yet they have this love to celebrate Mexican culture. zarkmask.com
11 June 2015
UPDATE on Rancho del Arte: Stunning Artwork Changes Streetscape of New Urban Downtown Mesa
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| Mandalas by Mesa Artist Zarco Guerrero |
Your MesaZona blog first did an online report of this construction project way back in March - you can scroll down in Flipcard view to read those details.
In fact it was the second posting that started me off highlighting new infill development that is regenerating the original downtown as transit-oriented affordable living attracting new residents along the path of the Valley Metro Central Mesa Lightrail Extension.
The image to the left was snapped on Monday, June 8th after many times this huge installation caught my eye going out of town or returning watching as construction by Icon Builders was progressing in the last couple of months.
It is eye-catching on a macro-scale with its monumental size announcing the name of the building as well as the composition incorporating the universal mandalas designed by long-time resident and local artist Zarco Guerrero who spoke highly of the investor/developer Community Development Partners CEO Eric Paine for his initiative to involve the work of a Mesa artist in the ironwork design with a series of meetings to talk about the project that's part of the regeneration of the New Urban Downtown Mesa. . .
In fact it was the second posting that started me off highlighting new infill development that is regenerating the original downtown as transit-oriented affordable living attracting new residents along the path of the Valley Metro Central Mesa Lightrail Extension.
The image to the left was snapped on Monday, June 8th after many times this huge installation caught my eye going out of town or returning watching as construction by Icon Builders was progressing in the last couple of months.
It is eye-catching on a macro-scale with its monumental size announcing the name of the building as well as the composition incorporating the universal mandalas designed by long-time resident and local artist Zarco Guerrero who spoke highly of the investor/developer Community Development Partners CEO Eric Paine for his initiative to involve the work of a Mesa artist in the ironwork design with a series of meetings to talk about the project that's part of the regeneration of the New Urban Downtown Mesa. . .
It took yours truly far too long to realize this not too long ago in a trip to not-so-far away Mexico and Mexico City where the days come alive all over again for more than a week. One day just doesn't do it, especially here in a city like Mesa where there is an historical dis-connect with our shared histories - it's just not only the history and short-sighted stories after the arrival of The Pioneers from Utah who call settlements of earlier and First Peoples "Pre-History".
There are some friendly reminders of those who came before, expressed using iconic images, masks and costumes from the traditional Dias de Los Muertos celebrations in Mexico on a street corner here in downtown Mesa
Here to the right there is just one >
Street performance-art from The Cultural Coalition, a local group that updates, re-vitalizes and brings cultures together that remind us who we are today.
Cultural Coalition, Inc., provides unique cultural programs which foster community engagement and are dedicated to the education, promotion, and development of Indigenous arts and artists in Arizona. For more information, visit http://www.culturalcoalition.com
Zarco Guerrero is a sculptor, mask maker and performance artist, born in Mesa, AZ whose family has lived in the region for centuries.
He has dedicated his artistic endeavors to create positive social change through the arts. He adopted Cesar Chavez's ideology of art as a social service. His art includes music, poetry and theatre.
Here to the right there is just one >
Street performance-art from The Cultural Coalition, a local group that updates, re-vitalizes and brings cultures together that remind us who we are today.
Cultural Coalition, Inc., provides unique cultural programs which foster community engagement and are dedicated to the education, promotion, and development of Indigenous arts and artists in Arizona. For more information, visit http://www.culturalcoalition.comHe has dedicated his artistic endeavors to create positive social change through the arts. He adopted Cesar Chavez's ideology of art as a social service. His art includes music, poetry and theatre.
- He is the founder of Xicanindio Artes (now Xico, Inc.), the Cultural Coalition, Inc., and has been instrumental in the development of Latino Arts statewide.
- He has exhibited and received international acclaim and many prestigious awards.
- In 1985, PBS broadcast a one hour documentary about his art entitled "The Mask of El Zarco".
- He received the Japan Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, The Arizona Governors Arts Award, the Artistic Excellence Award from American Hispanics in Higher Education and the Esperanza Teacher of the Year Award among many others.
- He also won the 2012 Ari-Zoni Award for his ground breaking work as a mask maker in Childsplay's 2011 production of The Sun Serpent.
- He is the recipient of the Doris Duke Foundation grant to present theatre to Latino communities in Arizona
- 2015 Master Fellow with the Southwest Folklife Alliance.
Later this month there are a number of events all intended to keep this centuries-old tradition alive. You can visit more information by hitting-up this link on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/zarcoguerrero
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Zarco Guerrero: The Origin Of Dia De Los Muertos on Vimeo
https://vimeo.com/110700448
https://twitter.com/zarcoguerrero
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Zarco Guerrero: The Origin Of Dia De Los Muertos on Vimeo
https://vimeo.com/110700448
A local nonprofit is providing opportunities for artists and art education by offering artistic opportunities in two Valley apartment complexes.
El Rancho del Arte and El Rancho del Sol showcase art and poetry throughout the complex, both by professional artists and by youth living in the apartments.
Cultural Coalition, an organization providing cultural programs for the development of artists in Arizona manages the after-school art and homework program for children living in the residences.
(Photographer Ray Hernández image > shows Carmen talking to the guests on the LFA Forum in the commercial kitchen facilities inside El Rancho Del Sol)
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For more information, details and how YOU can encourage, participate or support, please go to > Cultural Coalition
culturalcoalition.com/
2017 A Year of Highlights: Donate. Dec 21, 2017 | No Comments. The Cultural Coalition is a collective of artists who practice both visual and performing arts, and gather every year for a … Read More ...
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Here's an image from the Grand Opening Celebration of El Rancho Phase 2 that took place on Tue 07 November 2017 for the ribbon cutting ceremony in front of one of the entry gates to the two buildings where design elements and words from Zarco Guerrero are incorporated into the design:
More about Zarco Guerrero can be found by clicking/hitting the following link
culturalcoalition.com/project/zarco-guerrero/
Zarco Guerrero [Juañeno/Acjachemem] has been a force in the Arizona art scene since the early seventies, as a multi-media artist and community arts advocate. He has participated in the Artist in Education program of the Arizona Arts Commission and has conducted workshops throughout the U.S. since 1972.
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5th Annual Luncheon Honorees - Carmen & Zarco Guerrero Vignette
UPDATE on Rancho del Arte: Stunning Artwork Changes Streetscape of New Urban Downtown Mesa
Mandalas by Mesa Artist Zarco Guerrero
Your MesaZona blog first did an online report of this construction project way back in March - you can scroll down in Flipcard view to read those details.
In fact it was the second posting that started me off highlighting new infill development that is regenerating the original downtown as transit-oriented affordable living attracting new residents along the path of the Valley Metro Central Mesa Lightrail Extension.
The image to the left was snapped on Monday, June 8th after many times this huge installation caught my eye going out of town or returning watching as construction by Icon Builders was progressing in the last couple of months.
It is eye-catching on a macro-scale with its monumental size announcing the name of the building as well as the composition incorporating the universal mandalas designed by long-time resident and local artist Zarco Guerrero who spoke highly of the investor/developer Community Development Partners CEO Eric Paine for his initiative to involve the work of a Mesa artist in the ironwork design with a series of meetings to talk about the project that's part of the regeneration of the New Urban Downtown Mesa.
Mesa Artist Zarco Guerrero in his studio
Your blogger took the time yesterday, Friday 19 June, to get together with the local artist inside his design studio.
The image to the right shows Zarco with some designs of what he calls "mandalas" - only one of which was used in the monumental ironwork. Universal symbols from other cultures and indigenous peoples inspire his work. His family has been in The SouthWest for centuries and he lived in Japan for a number of years.
This artist has a fertile imagination and artistic drive not usually expressed in iron on such a big scale, but obviously a successful crossover to other media. He works in different media: in paper clay making fantastic masks, huge "calaveras" of Frieda Kahlo and Katrina, creates works for theater performances, and collaborates with one of the owners of Main Street gallery "Two Hawks" making drums.
There are plans in the works to have more of Zarco's designs installed in both some of the interior public areas and the exterior garden.
The project was originally just called the kinda bland "El Rancho Apartments" that replaced an urban eyesore blighted motel to create an arts-inspired building. The name change to El Rancho del Arte came from Eric Paine that gives this project a certain Zing.
The construction super Tom took time to take me around for a quick tour on the ground floor.
Little did your blogger know that the next day there would be an organized Pre-Opening Tour for neighbors and local businesses and maybe they didn't find in time too.
Readers can go back to the previous post from March 02 for details about the amenities programmed into this building: I was particularly impressed by the indoor parking under the building and the street level community and activities room for residents of the 2 & 3-bedroom apartments.
Information from March about applications for renting were posted there. As the opening date approaches, one source tells me that only 25% of the units have been leased; usually almost all applications for leasing apartments like these @ Rancho del Arte are processed closer to full 100% occupancy
719 East Main Street has a small neighborhood market right next door, a Walgreen's Drugstore next door to that, , the El Rancho Super Market a few steps away across Horne Street and other shops/services right across Main Street. Convenient, affordable, and arts-inspired - with a swimming pool.
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| Mandalas by Mesa Artist Zarco Guerrero |
In fact it was the second posting that started me off highlighting new infill development that is regenerating the original downtown as transit-oriented affordable living attracting new residents along the path of the Valley Metro Central Mesa Lightrail Extension.
The image to the left was snapped on Monday, June 8th after many times this huge installation caught my eye going out of town or returning watching as construction by Icon Builders was progressing in the last couple of months.
It is eye-catching on a macro-scale with its monumental size announcing the name of the building as well as the composition incorporating the universal mandalas designed by long-time resident and local artist Zarco Guerrero who spoke highly of the investor/developer Community Development Partners CEO Eric Paine for his initiative to involve the work of a Mesa artist in the ironwork design with a series of meetings to talk about the project that's part of the regeneration of the New Urban Downtown Mesa.
|
| Mesa Artist Zarco Guerrero in his studio |
The image to the right shows Zarco with some designs of what he calls "mandalas" - only one of which was used in the monumental ironwork. Universal symbols from other cultures and indigenous peoples inspire his work. His family has been in The SouthWest for centuries and he lived in Japan for a number of years.
This artist has a fertile imagination and artistic drive not usually expressed in iron on such a big scale, but obviously a successful crossover to other media. He works in different media: in paper clay making fantastic masks, huge "calaveras" of Frieda Kahlo and Katrina, creates works for theater performances, and collaborates with one of the owners of Main Street gallery "Two Hawks" making drums.
There are plans in the works to have more of Zarco's designs installed in both some of the interior public areas and the exterior garden.
The project was originally just called the kinda bland "El Rancho Apartments" that replaced an urban eyesore blighted motel to create an arts-inspired building. The name change to El Rancho del Arte came from Eric Paine that gives this project a certain Zing.
The construction super Tom took time to take me around for a quick tour on the ground floor.
Readers can go back to the previous post from March 02 for details about the amenities programmed into this building: I was particularly impressed by the indoor parking under the building and the street level community and activities room for residents of the 2 & 3-bedroom apartments.
Information from March about applications for renting were posted there. As the opening date approaches, one source tells me that only 25% of the units have been leased; usually almost all applications for leasing apartments like these @ Rancho del Arte are processed closer to full 100% occupancy
719 East Main Street has a small neighborhood market right next door, a Walgreen's Drugstore next door to that, , the El Rancho Super Market a few steps away across Horne Street and other shops/services right across Main Street. Convenient, affordable, and arts-inspired - with a swimming pool.
Friday, November 17, 2017
Kinetic Inter-Active + Multi-Generational Art: El Paseo De Los Abuelos
The Cultural Coalition - and the Guerrero Family - will be presenting a "hands-on" experience for families tonight starting at 5 o'clock with a "Paseo" in masks.
It promises to be one of the more colorful and moving experiences included in the Two-Day Pop-Up Prototyping Festival here on Main Street today and tomorrow.
BIENVENIDOS TODOS! Join us at the i.d.e.a. Museum for mask making experience then let's Paseo to Main Street to perform at the Bank of America Plaza during the #mesaprototyping #Festival.
Free for kids and families! — with FE Lerma, Sunnee O'Rork, Monica Delgadillo, Zarco Guerrero and Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli - Chandler, AZ at IDEA Museum.
It promises to be one of the more colorful and moving experiences included in the Two-Day Pop-Up Prototyping Festival here on Main Street today and tomorrow.
BIENVENIDOS TODOS! Join us at the i.d.e.a. Museum for mask making experience then let's Paseo to Main Street to perform at the Bank of America Plaza during the #mesaprototyping #Festival.
Free for kids and families! — with FE Lerma, Sunnee O'Rork, Monica Delgadillo, Zarco Guerrero and Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli - Chandler, AZ at IDEA Museum.
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