Hey guys, it’s me
Selina!
The Laredo Center for the Arts recently underwent a renovation and we popped over to visit with Gabriel Castillo, LC4A Executive Director. Here’s a bit of the Q&A session we had with him:
- What do you love most about working at the Laredo Center for the Arts?
I love working in a space with historical significance. The fact that the former Mercado was built
130 years ago and it now houses works of art from all over the world brings to light the importance of preserving the old to showcase new creative expression.
- Tell us about the renovation, what’s next?
The Laredo Center for the Arts just completed
Phase I of an ongoing renovation process. The new open space provides ample room for highlighting the latest art work from local and out of town artists, performers and writers.
Phase II will resume at the end of 2013 with more wall exhibition space, additional office space and a second floor venue for special events and theater performances.
- What is the current exhibit on-site?
The current exhibit is a treasure of photos collected from the archives of
Agustin Victor Casasola. His view of the
Mexican Revolution through the sensitive lens of his camera delves into the trials and tribulations of the Mexican people and how this generation survived an era of turmoil and uncertainty. The show remains on display through February 4, 2013.
The
Book Nook Bookstore also provides a world of learning for young and old with a wide variety of gently used books, dvd's and videos. Our
bookstore prides itself in offering the best prices in town for the latest and most popular books.
- Can anyone exhibit at the LC4A?
The
Laredo Center for the Arts offers an opportunity for any artist to exhibit their work. An artist is required to be a member of the Center and submit a portfolio of their work with a short bio for consideration. An artistic review committee meets twice a year to evaluate the portfolios and place them on the calendar of events according to styles, themes or availability. The
Community Gallery also showcases student art work from pre-k through 12th grade with revolving shows every month.
- Is there a fee to enter the Center?
All art exhibits are
free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from
11 a.m. to
4 p.m. Some charges may apply for private events or receptions.
- How often are exhibits changed out?
Most art exhibits remain on display for 30 days. Certain shows may remain up to 45 days depending on the availability of the next show on the calendar and the number of events scheduled in the gallery spaces.
- How can we connect with the Center online?
Everyone is invited to check out our website at
http://www.laredoartcenter.org/ for more information on our space and upcoming events.
Hope y’all can take time out of your busy schedules to visit for a bit. The exhibit on display right now is beautiful, take your time, browse around from photo to photo, they truly are breathtaking.
Let’s see where else I pop up. Thanks for keeping up with me on my entries. If there’s a place that you’d like to know more about feel free to email me:
visitlaredotx@gmail.com or tweet me @selina1996.
