Mesa Contemporary Arts Announces 4 Exhibitions for Fall

Mesa Contemporary Arts (MCA) will showcase four exhibitions this fall, featuring the astonishing artwork of Contemporary American Indian artists from across the country. Since Arizona is known for its American Indian history and is home to 21 federally recognized tribes, the exhibitions will provide educational opportunities for the public to learn more about this rich and diverse culture from this state and across the country.

MCA has earned a national reputation for exhibiting cutting edge contemporary artwork by diverse groups, but these exhibitions mark the museum's first comprehensive look at American Indian artwork being created today. On Friday, September 10, experience the rhythms, the beats, the sights and the theatrics as the fall season kicks off at Mesa Arts Center and new exhibitions open at MCA, featuring artwork by contemporary American Indian artists. The entire Mesa Arts Center campus will take part in the celebration. The unforgettable night will begin at 6 p.m. on the Shadow Walk, located in the heart of Mesa Arts Center, awakening the rest of the gorgeous complex with the native music styling of the GRAMMY winning trio, R. Carlos Nakai, William Eaton & Will Clipman: The R. Carlos Nakai Trio.

Encompassing two galleries, Transcending Traditions provides a provocative look at the American Indian art being produced today and the influences of contemporary American society. From American Indian characters transformed into comic book heroes to baskets made of film, this exhibition introduces audiences to a wide range of traditional art forms with a modern day, unconventional twist.

In the North Gallery, Yaqui artist Mario Martinez is featured in a 30 year retrospective. Born and raised in the Penjamo community in Scottsdale, Arizona, Martinez received his BA from Arizona State University. Soon after, he moved to San Francisco, where he earned his MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute. In 2002, his career took him to New York City, where he has lived since. Martinez has become known for his bold, vibrant, abstract, expressionist paintings. His artistic vision is influenced by his Yaqui heritage, Western Modernism and the urban environment.

Dealing with issues of identity, James Luna's work can be described as both controversial and contemplative. In his performance and installation art, Luna explores what it means to be an American Indian; how this ethnic minority group has been and continues to be perceived by mainstream American culture; and how American Indians have come to view themselves. Luna's All Indian, All the Time installation transforms the Project Room into a Rock & Roll setting, humorously challenging the limited American Indian presence in musical entertainment as well as other art forms popularized in American society. By incorporating himself as the main subject, Luna personalizes his message and provides a firsthand voice for a population that is under-represented.
In addition to All Indian, All the Time, there will be a special performance by the artist on Friday, Oct. 1 in the Farnsworth Studio Theater. In the performance, Native Stories: Basically Factual, James Luna combines and refines some selected monologue and conceptual performance pieces from his vast repertoire with new stories and songs. The artist will introduce the audience to the Pooyukitchum (Luiseno) peoples, whose territory encompassed North County San Diego and what "it is" in contemporary Native cultures. Luna will be joined by the very talented Mr. David Van Druff, (Pima/Hopi, Gila River Rez) on guitar and bass.

Transcending Traditions
Contemporary American Indian Artwork
September 10, 2010 - January 2, 2011
Encompassing two galleries and a wide range of mediums, Transcending Traditions focuses on more than twenty-five established and emerging American Indian artists from across North America, who integrate a contemporary flare to traditional indigenous art forms through the chosen materials or content. Featured artist include Marcus Amerman, Shonto Begay, Damian Charette, Melissa Cody, Richard Glazer Danay, Anita Fields, Susan Folwell, Jason Garcia, David Gaussoin, Cheyenne Harris, Randy Kemp, Jason Martinez, Jacob Meders, Douglas Miles, Jennifer Moquino, Virgil Ortiz, Ryan Singer, Jaune Quick-to-see Smith, Ryan Huna Smith, Gail Tremblay, Kade Twist and more.

From AZ to NYC: A Visual Journey by Mario Martinez
September 10, 2010 - January 30, 2011
A survey of the last 30 years, this exhibition highlights selected pieces from Mario Martinez's artistic career from his early years growing up in the Yaqui community of Penjamo in Scottsdale, Arizona to his time in New York City, where he has lived since 2002. Martinez's vibrant abstract paintings are inspired by his Yaqui heritage, Western Modernism and the urban
environment.

All Indian, All The Time
by James Luna
September 10, 2010 - January 9, 2011
A talented performance as well as installation artist, James Luna transforms the Project Room into a virtual Rock and Roll museum dedicated to his "music career." In this multimedia installation, Luna incorporates both humor and familiar popular culture icons to call attention to the limited
American Indian presence in the music industry and other mainstream art forms.

Native Stories: Basically Factual
with James Luna
Performance - Farnsworth Studio Theater
Friday, Oct. 1, 8 p.m.