Chico State’s Janet Turner Print Museum is showcasing an abundance of art with a trio of art exhibitions.
It’s headlined by the thought-provoking "Nexo Entre Raíces" print portfolio.
“Nexo Entre Raíces,” which translates to Nexus Between Roots, is a print show featuring contemporary artists who live and work on opposing sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.
Organized by artist Marco Sánchez in 2022, the portfolio has traveled to multiple locations across the U.S., including Texas, New Mexico and Ohio. It’s currently on display until Dec. 13.
Rachel Skokowski, the museum's director of galleries and curator, says the artists include 16 Mexican artists residing in Mexico, and 17 Mexican American artists living in the U.S.
“They're original works of art, but they're all responding to this group theme, which is our roots. And you know, whether that's cultural, whether that's familial, whether that's geographical,” Skokowski said.
The show delves into family, food and mythology. It offers the viewer a comparison of how different artists interpret these common themes through various printmaking techniques, including both color and black and white.
One example is third-generation Mexican American J. Leigh García’s woodcut, “En Monterrey/In Monterrey,” which features brightly-colored Mexican Concha pastries subtly embedded with images of her Mexican family.
Skokowski says the piece reflects her struggle to maintain family ties and traditions, separated by time and place.
“She's really grappling with, how do you sort of continue these traditions and maintain these family connections, even if you're sort of separated by time and place,” Skokowski said.
Through their powerful, timely prints, the artists invite viewers to reflect on their own connections to the past and the enduring impact of their origins.
“Nexo Entre Raíces” isn’t the only exhibit currently on display at Janet Turner Print Museum. Two other shows are also currently on display.
Between Frequencies: Linda Lopez & Mathew McConnell
The space next door hosts a joint exhibition of ceramic artists and couple, Linda Lopez and Mathew McConnell, called “Between Frequencies.”
Both are faculty members of the University of Arkansas and employ different approaches when it comes to ceramics.
“Visitors will be really interested in the contrast between her work and Matthew's work,” Skokowski said.
Lopez, a Chico State alumn, uses bright colors and explores different shapes. McConnell, on the other hand, explores mold making, working with striking black graphite ceramic pieces.
The exhibit closes on Nov. 15.
Faculty’s time to shine
Meanwhile, the Jackie Headley University Art Gallery is currently home to its annual Faculty and Staff Exhibition for the Chico State Department of Art and Art History.
This exhibition features the work of 19 Chico State faculty and staff members, including both new voices and long-standing contributors.
“I think it's really great for not only our students, but hopefully the community to see the work that our faculty and staff are doing outside of the classroom,” Skowkowski said.
Pieces on display range from painting and sculpture to ceramics and fiber art. It’s scheduled to run until Nov. 21.
