Curated by ETSU alumna Shai Perry-McCallister, “Migracion” is a multimedia exhibit at ETSU’s Slocumb Gallery and the Tipton Gallery that features Latinx artists from Kansas and Tennessee. 

This exhibition is more than just an art display though, it’s a powerful showcase that deals with the issues of identity, resilience and displacement as it pertains to each artist and their own diasporic histories. 

Its narrative doesn’t just stop there, as woven throughout is a celebration of the diversity and strengths of American culture as it becomes enriched by these diverse histories produced by migration, colonization and refuge.

“Migracion” will feature contemporary works ranging from paintings, print media, photography, metalsmith, sculptures and fibers mixed media installation.

Photo taken at the Migracion exhibit. (Elaina Gilliam/East Tennessean)

To bring an experience like this took an extraordinary amount of collaboration that involved many artists and organizations. The Tipton & Slocumb Galleries have played a very instrumental role in making this exhibition possible.

Through the gallery’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural understanding, it has been able to demonstrate the power of art in fostering community engagement and cultural understanding. 

“This exhibition is one of the amazing results of this mentorship and collaboration with students and professionals,” said Karlota Contreas-Koterbay, director of Slocumb Galleries. “This collaboration provides an opportunity for people to curate their own groups’ narratives as we promote self-representation.”

The artists that will be featured are: Kansas-based Latinx artists Marisa Adame Grady, Rico Alvarez, Dani Coronado, Erick Felix, Edwing Mendez, Nicolas Ortega, Isaac Tapia, Cesar Velez, Hugo Ximello-Salido, Emiliano Zapata amd Vania Soto. Joining this group will also be ETSU alumni Goreti Lopez and Marcelo Gisbert.

Photo taken at the Migracion exhibit. (Elaina Gilliam/East Tennessean)

In addition to this impressive list of collaborators, Tipton and Slocumb Galleries have also partnered with multiple groups here at ETSU such as: Language & Culture Resource Center who organizes Corazon Latino, and the Bert C. Bach Written Word Initiative in order to invite yet another collaborator Dr. Cris Lira. 

Dr. Lira will be providing student mentorship as well as a poetry reading on Monday Sept. 9 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Tipton Gallery. 

Further expanding the exhibition’s reach, the Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies, Women’s Resource Centers, ETSU Pride Center, Film and Media Studies, and TriCities Pride have all joined forces to promote these events. They will also showcase films by Hugo Ximello-Salido, an LGBTQ artist and filmmaker.

Through this powerful artistic experience, the curators, partners and artists are aiming to provide visibility and empowerment through the arts.  

“We hope that in our small ways, folks will recognize the rich Appalachian cultures beyond the negative stereotypes,” said Contreas-Koterbay. “We hope that our youth recognize their special place in the world and their potential for the betterment of the communities.”

“Migracion” will travel to Lincoln Memorial University’s Arts for their Mountain Fiesta in September.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience “Migracion” during the opening reception with guests of honor Dr. & Mrs. Joe Bidwell, ETSU Dean of College of Arts & Sciences, and Angelica Ares of Bravissima! Women Sponsoring the Arts, on Friday, Sept. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m.

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