Mask Alive Art Collection
Mesa, Arizona
A space for creative, artistic expression that exhibits a global collection of masks and art in celebration of the human cultural practice of storytelling.
MessageYouth Masks: Growing up with Tradition
Viejito masks on display at pop-up exhibit.
Viejito masks worn at Cultural Coalition's Día de los Muertos Festival
Jaguarcito headdresses on display as part of the pop-up exhibit.
Jaguarcito headdresses worn by youth performers in a procession at a Cultural Coalition festival.
Diablito masks on display at pop-up exhibit.
Poster from a La Pastorela play where diablito masks are used by youth actors.
Jaguarcito and diablito masks on display at the pop-up exhibit.
Artist Zarco Guerrero gave a tour and talk about the youth masks when they were on display as part of a pop-up exhibit in Downtown Mesa.
“I meet adults who tell me ‘I danced the viejitos dance 20 years ago, when I was a kid!’ That to me is amazing! Because then their children are now dancing in those same masks. The mask has become an integral part of cultural expression in the Valley. It spans generations. It creates identity and continuity” - Artist Zarco Guerrero
Cultural Coalition, Inc has collaborated with folklórico troupes, theatre companies, and artists in Arizona for decades. We collaborate with Primavera Folklórico Dance Company, Ollin Yolitzli Dance Academy, Ballet Folklórico Quetzalli and many more. We develop costumes, choreography, storytelling, and performance masks, for both adults and youth. Zarco has created thousands of masks for hundreds of performances, based in Mexican traditions and new designs for modern stories. For young artists, the masks help them learn more about their culture and keep generations connected through the arts.
In addition to youth performance group masks, Zarco was once the Artist in Education for Arizona Commission on the Arts, and Artist in Residence at many schools. Over 40 years, he estimated creating over 20,000 youth masks. Leaving a legacy of the art of storytelling through masks with each young person.
The pieces featured in this exhibition were used by young people for performances at Cultural Coalition's festivals and procession, by local folklórico troupes, and in theatrical productions for over 30 years. Each mask was created by molding plaster bandage and paper clay onto the face of the individual performer, creating a unique sculpture for every person.
This exhibition is available to travel, made possible by support from Arizona Humanities.
Bring this exhibit to your space! View Exhibit Prospectus for details or please email [email protected] for further inquiries.
- https://bit.ly/YouthMasks-ExhibitProspectus
