The second annual Arizona International Latina/o Arts Festival, which started Monday, began as an art book created by ASU professors and writers in 2002.
From April 28 to May 2, ASU's Hispanic Research Center will host the festival, which takes place both on and off campus and will feature works from artists around the globe, including 11 ASU graduates.
The festival also will feature international art collectors interested in the new wave of Chicana/o art, said Gary Keller, director of the research center and principal author of the art book.
The book is a two-volume work titled "Contemporary Chicana and Chicano Art" and features more than 600 artworks from Chicana/o artists nationwide.
The festival will feature Chicana/o literature, panel discussions and readings, and will end with a low-rider car show at the Mesa Southwest Museum.
"[The festival] just expanded exponentially," Keller said. "It's a great thing for cultural tourism for the state of Arizona.
"It's a wonderful thing for the general public and ASU to appreciate the contribution of Mexican and Mexican-American art," he said.
The highlight of the festival is an art exhibit at Mesa Southwest Museum on May 1.
The pieces range from bold, intense oil paintings to thought-provoking abstracts and sculptures.
"We're doing stuff that's never been done before -- the best in the world wherever Chicano art has been exhibited," Keller said. "It's a real opportunity to immerse oneself in Chicano art."
About 15 groups, universities and art galleries across the nation are sponsoring the festival.
Gabriel Escontrias, a non-degree seeking graduate student and office and projects specialist for the Hispanic Research Center, said inquiries about Chicana/o art have increased substantially because of the international attention the art is receiving.
For a schedule of events, visit www.latinoartcommunity.org or call (480) 965-3900.
Reach the reporter at jacqueline.shoyeb@asu.edu.
