Xico presents the flowers, colors and
artwork of Latino culture at annual fundraiser
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Xico arte y cultura will celebrate the 35th annual edition of its popular Dinner and Art Auction on March 4, embracing a colorful theme with a nod to Frida Kahlo.
The event, presented by Bank of America, is titled and themed ‘Colores de Xico,’ referring to the brilliant flowers, vibrant artwork and colorful traditions that characterize Latino culture. And nothing speaks to a celebration of color more than Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and their embrace of bold, vibrant colors in everything ranging from the famous Casa Azul to their paintings and Frida’s colorful dresses and floral crowns.
Attendees are encouraged to draw inspiration from Frida and Diego’s impassioned approach to life by dressing in their own interpretation of the dinner’s theme of ‘Colores de Xico,’ and can include anything bright, colorful and artistic.
At the heart of the event is more than 40 pieces of original Latino artwork that will be auctioned off to raise funds for Xico’s programs. Xico’s mission is to nourish a greater appreciation of the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Latinx and Indigenous people of the Americas through the arts, according to a press release.
“We are very excited to celebrate the 35th anniversary of our signature event and to embrace such a colorful and impactful theme for this year’s dinner,” said Donna Valdés, executive director of Xico arte y cultura, in a prepared statement. “We are looking forward to our largest event ever and featuring some exceptional artwork by talented artists across Arizona.”
This year’s event, chaired by prominent local community leader and attorney José Cárdenas, will be held at Warehouse 215 in downtown Phoenix.
This year’s event includes the presentation the Virginia E. Cárdenas Arts Advocate Award, which honors the arts advocacy legacy created by José’s late wife. This year, Xico is proud to be honoring Paul and Flo Eckstein for their longstanding support of Xico, of the arts generally, and for the many other ways that they have served our community for so many years.
Xico serves a broad, ethnically diverse population including emerging and established artists, youth, under-served populations, and art advocates through art-based programming:
- Community Exhibitions (virtual and in-person);
- Underserved Youth Programs (Say Yes To The Press);
- Printmaking Workshops;
- Professional Development Workshops;
- Artist-Lead classes;
- Virtual DIY Tutorials; and
- Artist-in-Residence.
Xico advances the quality, visibility and appreciation of Latino and Indigenous culture by advancing appreciation for and visibility of Latino and Indigenous art. The Phoenix-based organization has regular events and showings of original artwork created by artists from throughout the region at its downtown Phoenix offices, exhibit space and studio, representatives of the brand report.
