Chicanitas: Small Paintings from the Cheech Marin Collection

The Las Cruces Museum of Art proudly presents, Chicanitas: Small Paintings from the Cheech Marin Collection – an exhibition of seventy paintings from Mr. Marin’s prized compilation of works by twenty-nine Chicano artists. The exhibit opens on Friday, May 2 and concludes Saturday, July 19. A reception is to be held on Friday, May 2 from 5 to 7 PM during the monthly Downtown Arts Ramble.

To those of a certain age, Cheech Marin is known for his work in movies, television and improvisational comedy. According to Mr. Marin, “There’s a whole generation that doesn’t know what Cheech and Chong is…I’ve done a lot of things since.” One aspect of his life that may come as a surprise to many is his very early interest in paintings that has led to an adult life as an art collector. .

Chicanitas shows that “size doesn’t matter!” According to Mr. Marin, “…it’s what’s inside the frame that counts.” The paintings in this display average sixteen inches in size but some are even smaller. These magical works offer glances into the lives of the artists as they depict moments of their individual upbringing, heritage and experiences. These eloquent paintings are veritable “…calling cards…” and invite the world into the sphere of memories. Join us as Mr. Marin extends his collection to the people of Las Cruces with the simple instruction to “Enjoy!”

The Foundation for Las Cruces Museums is hosting a V.I.P. event with Cheech Marin, on Saturday, May 3. Tickets are still available.

Chicanitas is funded by the City of Las Cruces, the Las Cruces Museum of Art is located at 491 N. Main Street, between the Branigan Cultural Center and the Museum of Nature and Science.

For more information, call (575) 541-2137 or visit the website http://www.cruces.org/museums.