The Olmec Trails project is the brainchild of Fernando Ramirez, founder and president of the Mexican Cultural Center – DuPage (MCCD) in West Chicago, pictured above with artist Juan Chawuk and Carlos Tortolero, President Emeritus of the National Museum of Mexican Art. All men were featured speakers before the ribbon cutting. (PN Photo)
City of Naperville Report
Earlier today, July 24, 2024, the City of Naperville, in partnership with Alliance of Latinos Motivating Action in the Suburbs (ALMAS), DuPage Hispanic Alliance (DHA), the Naperville Public Library, the Naperville Sister Cities Foundation and the Special Events and Community Arts (SECA) Commission jointly hosted a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting to celebrate Naperville’s part in the Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy exhibition.
The ceremony took place at 5PM at Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave.
Attendees gathered near the library’s southwest lawn for an introduction from Naperville Public Library Executive Director David Della Terza and remarks from Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli, Nichols Library sculpture artist Juan Chawuk and President Emeritus of the National Museum of Mexican Art Carlos Tortolero.
Sculptures celebrating Mexican heritage are on display at Nichols, 95th Street libraries through October
Following the remarks and ribbon cutting ceremony, guests enjoyed authentic Mexican refreshments, including Aguas Frescas, Mexican Coca-Cola bottles and assorted flavors of Jarritos Mexican drink bottles and Topo Chico cans, sponsored by ALMAS and DHA, and water provided by the Naperville Sister Cities Foundation. Guests also enjoyed music from a mariachi band, Mariachi Michoacana, sponsored by ALMAS.
The Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy exhibit explores the indigenous roots of Mexican heritage, tracing a lineage to the ancient Olmec civilization, the “Mother Culture” of Mexico. The outdoor exhibit features hand-painted, large-scale renditions of iconic Olmec heads, which highlight the rich cultural heritage of Mexico, featured throughout DuPage County. Naperville is honored to host two of the 33 sculptures through October. One statue is displayed in downtown Naperville at the Nichols Library and the second in south Naperville at the 95th St. Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive.
“Being chosen to host two of these Olmec Trail sculptures reaffirms Naperville’s ongoing commitment to public art and cultural celebrations,” Mayor Wehrli said. “I hope all of our residents have the opportunity to view this Mesoamerican artwork and celebrate their culture and heritage.”
Support for Olmec Trails; Culture and Literacy
The exhibit comes in part by the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage, College of DuPage, the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Illinois Office of Tourism and the National Museum of Mexican Art. Meztli Mexico and the Mexican Cultural Arts Alliance contributed to artist support.
Support for the sculptures hosted in Naperville is provided by Alliance of Latinos Motivating Action in the Suburbs (ALMAS), DuPage Hispanic Alliance (DHA), the Naperville Public Library, the Naperville Sister Cities Foundation and the Special Events and Community Arts (SECA) Commission.
The City received a $2,500 grant from Arts DuPage and JCS Arts, Health and Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation, a $1,000 donation from the Naperville Public Library and a $6,500 donation from SECA to assist with project expenses.
For more information about the sculptures and the partners responsible for bringing this project to the community, visit www.naperville.il.us/olmec.
For more information about the county-wide exhibit, visit www.theccma.org/olmectrails.
Photos by Positively Naperville.
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