The gallery event themed “cuidate mucho” celebrated the start of the three-month expedition on Thursday, Oct. 27, and will run until Dec. 3. This gallery was held in the K building at the Liberal Arts Campus at Long Beach City College.
Students, faculty, and residents of Long Beach filled up the room, taking in the portraits, paintings, interactive pieces, as well as other unique displays set up throughout the gallery that cater to the theme of cuidate mucho.
At the entrance of the gallery, a painting of hands forming a star made of peace signs with a mirror in the middle was displayed. This was intended to give the impression that a community can form true peace by coming together and that making an actual change does not always have to be scary, but a sense of caring for one another.
Another art display allowed the audience to contribute to the piece. A table was full of large Ziploc bags filled with basic needs essentials for men, women, babies and LGBTQ+. Under the table, there was a box open for donations for the community to help refugees fleeing their countries and have the essentials ready for them after their tiresome journey.
“The essentials are being shipped to a church on the East Coast in Brooklyn, New York that will then be delivered to a shelter specifically for new refugees who have nothing, but the clothes on their backs,” says Michael Eneybw, a student and art volunteer.
The display had flyers leading with the phrase “I’m collecting items for migrants…”and different groups would list a variation of specific need based items. For example, a flier for basic needs for babies lists the need for wipes, diapers, socks, beanies, formula, and squeeze foods.
The gallery’s goal is to fill the box completely with essential goods and be able to provide enough for immigrants to be welcomed with supplies that are desperately needed.
Two months ago, the campus welcomed a new curator and art director, Karla Aguiniga, who quickly transformed the empty space and brought it back to life by organizing the gallery that took place.
“The show came together by first questioning myself, what could I bring to the space that has been empty for more than two years?” Aguiniga said.
“There’s a lot of new on-campus students this semester here or coming in from online learning that haven’t seen the art gallery as well as those who missed pieces of college life experience such as seeing art shows and viewing what their peers and community can create,” Aguiniga said.
Aguiniga explained her role as a curator and her goals for fulfilling the new position.
“So I was thinking about the gallery itself, it must be cared for and the word curating comes from the word care. The role as a curator is how should I be taking care of the space, and art community and building a circle of trust to set up a relationship with the school, students and artists in the community,” she said.
During the midpoint of the opening, Aguiniga gave a speech thanking those who helped put the show together. She also thanked the artist who embodied the theme and allowed others to understand what cuidate mucho means in an artistic way.
Cuidate mucho translates to “take much care of yourself,” and this allowed attendants to view the displays which consisted of pieces contributing to a shape or movement of love and coming together as one in a community.
Aguiniga shared the overall message she wanted people to leave with, “After the pandemic lots of people came out in a super heightened self-awareness state, not knowing the differences between being cared for and being careful. Unfortunately, communities heavily populated with minorities have gotten worse after the pandemic, constant threats that happen in society for them have been toned down to a norm and how to care for the community even if you’re outside of it.”
The gallery greeted people with a table of refreshments and treats provided by the art students, volunteers, and advisors. They welcomed all to help themselves and come in to view the artwork displayed.
The show ended with a final speech from Aguiniga, thanking again those who contributed to the gallery and celebrating the opening night of their three-month stay.
For a final way to highlight the art program, the LBCC Art Advisory Group wanted to hear from LBCC students on what public art they’d like to see more of on both campuses. A short five-question survey was conducted to let the students choose for the future.