Mexican Cultural Center DuPage, in coordination with Meztli Mexico, and in partnership with the College of DuPage Public Art Project, the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau is proud to present their newest project: Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy.
Featuring 33 artists’ works painted on sculptures recreating ancient Mexican culture throughout DuPage County.
The exhibition is planned for the summer of 2024. This new outdoor exhibit will feature hand-painted large-scale renditions of Olmec heads. These iconic Mesoamerican sculptures will be displayed throughout DuPage County in an expansive public art exhibition. This ambitious exhibition provides access to the culture of Olmec civilization in a fresh and accessible way.
The exhibit will bring attention to the importance of public art, and muralism and showcase the immense talent and creativity of the 33 contemporary artists from across North America while paying tribute to the indigenous roots of Mexican heritage.Installed outdoors in several locations throughout DuPage County, including Forest Preserves, College of DuPage, and the Mayslake Estate, along with host cities, Olmec Trails will connect spectators to these one-of-a-kind works while providing healthy and enjoyable outdoor experiences with both physical and mental health benefits.
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Timeline of Events
Artists in Mexico have begun painting and 15 national artists will arrive in May of 2024 to paint 15 heads here in DuPage County on-site at the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage. This exciting international exhibition has already begun and will be completed in June of 2024.
Get Involved!
Artists can only participate by way of a sponsorship. Local, state and private institutions in the US or Mexico are invited to join in this unique opportunity to showcase modern-day murals reflecting Mexican American culture and regional interpretational art. We are confident that by participating in this project as a sponsor, you will be fulfilling the mission of your organization. Sponsors will be a part of a once in a lifetime opportunity to collaborate with multiple entities and organizations around North America, which can bring more awareness and support to your organization’s efforts. We are working together for one cultural, artistic, and educational purpose that will bring so many people together in a very unique way. Additionally, you will be supporting one of your local artists taking part in a major career opportunity that promises unique experiences, enhancement of their artistic skills, and a chance to display their talents on a monumental canvas. What an amazing opportunity!
Background on Mexican Cultural Center DuPage – Leader of the Project
The Mexican Cultural Center DuPage (MCCD), established in 2013, has built a long-standing reputation and stands as a beacon of cultural expression, emphasizing expansive community public art projects deeply rooted in Mexican traditions. In 2022, MCCD joined forces with Meztli and embarked on the "Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World", at Cantigny Park, Wheaton, IL. The exhibit emerged as the largest display of “Alebrijes Monumentales” outside Mexico. Teaming up with six acclaimed Mexican papier-mâché artisans, the seven-month outdoor display drew over half a million visitors. As champions of Mexican arts in America, MCCD caters to the significant population of 43 million Americans of Mexican lineage. In West Chicago alone, the majority (51%) are Mexican or Latino. “Our dedication and efforts not only champion our rich heritage but also propel our community towards a brighter, culturally enriched future.”
MCCD is a founding member of the Mexican Cultural Arts Alliance (MCAA). MCAA is a bi-national alliance of Mexican-led organizations led by the National Museum of Mexican Art. Member organizations collaborating on this project are: Fundación Casa Guanajuato (Atlanta), Arte Mexicano en Indiana (Indianapolis, IN), Mexican Cultural Center DuPage (West Chicago, IL), (Neo) Muralismos de México (Saint Paul, MN), Artes de México en Utah (Salt Lake City, UT), Latino Cultural Arts Center (Denver, CO), Arte Américas (Fresno, CA), Portales del Arte (Chiapas, Mexico).
A Strong Record of Success
On the national level, MCCD has secured support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Ford Foundation. As FY2023 dawned, financial health was robust. Additionally, the Mellon Foundation recently awarded us with a two-year general operations grant.
MCCD boasts a decade-long track record of prudent fiscal management. A notable example is the $300,000 budget earmarked for our “Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World'' project spanning two years. This project significantly impacted the local economy, recording direct sales of $5.6 million, $9.5 million indirect (DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2023). Consequently, our credibility with local sponsors has been solidified. Esteemed sponsors are comprised of the College of DuPage, City of West Chicago, Enjoy Illinois, National Museum of Mexican Art, DuPage Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, DuPage County Forest Preserve, DCEO and more. Our contributions haven't gone unnoticed. Last year, Illinois Governor Pritzker publicly lauded our endeavors by calling the Alebrijes exhibit “stunning" and presented it as a leading example to announce a $15 million investment in Illinois tourism projects (@JBPritzker FB post, 2022).