Opening Night "Town of Clouds" in Austin, Texas

After tweeting, blogging and facebooking, the event was here.
200 persons walked into the Mexican American Cultural Center Gallery, and were excited to see what Diego had photographed. The incredible thing about this was that not only people who knew Diego came along, but also people who just wanted to see the art because they knew about the event.

I must thank our sponsors:
Casa Chapala - Even with heat and a lot of people, everyone got a taste of delicious Mexican food. Outside was packed!
Cruz Tequila - 2 tequila cases after, and even a little drunk, people left the room with the feeling that the thirst was quenched correctly. Thank you John.

Also the media who took time to write about us:
Austin Statesman - Juan Castillo
Ahora Sí - Tania Lara
Univisión - Leslie Montoya
The Austin Times- Vicky Garza

To our families and to our friends, I was happy to see you all!

Diego: bien bajada la bola.

Here is the video of how it went. Yes, it is the same that Diego has on his blog. He got the material on his hands first and posted it the next day after the opening. Cris and Sahra, thank you. Photos and video would not be possible without you.

Opening Night Town of Clouds from Diego Huerta on Vimeo.

Town of Clouds on TV!

Diego in Univision from Dany Gutierrez on Vimeo.

On Friday June 18, 2010 Diego is invited to Univision to talk about "Town of Clouds" and let people know what to expect on the opening. One more day to go!

Behind "The Two Girls and the Dog"

The photograph below is one of my favorites.
I have a special bond with this one and I think that it comes down to being thirsty on a Thursday and feeling hot. We were outside of the grocery store in the town of Cohamiata walking around...(FUN FACT:I had my yellow rain boots on and you can actually see them if you get close to the fine digital print photo that is now in the gallery.)

This beautiful girl stopped and looked at us, always asking to see the result of the pictures that Diego was taking in his LCD screen in his D3 camera. She held her sister tight and posed for Diego.
I specially love the fact that the little one is pulling her sister's hair and I love how the dog is on the back and you can barely see it.

You can know more about these photographs and be able to actually enjoy and see them in big with exact and accurate details this Saturday June 19, 2010 at 6.00 pm at the Mexican American Cultural Center.
I hope to see many of you there.

Together, let's raise fund for the Huicholes and have fun doing it!
We'll have Cruz Tequila, Casa Chapala Catering and photo booth by Annie Ray.

More Exciting News "Town of Clouds"!

Last week I took a time off to visit the main gallery at the Mexican American Cultural Center.
This is what I saw:

Almost there - Town of Clouds - June 19, 2010 6.00 from Dany Gutierrez on Vimeo.

Pretty amazing huh? We are almost getting there!
This week is full of great interviews and challenges. Diego is also featured in The Austin Times in the article below. To read more, you can click here. FYI: We made front page!!!

News about "Town of Clouds"

There is a new video uploaded from Mr. Mando Rayo who was kind enough to interview us a week ago. Mando, I have to thank you for this! I know that you are way busy and that you are waiting for Frijolita, still you took some time off on a rainy day and met with Diego and I to talk a little bit more about "Town of Clouds".

If you do not know much about "Town of Clouds", take some time off, exactly 2 minutes and 36 seconds to listen what Diego and I have to say.



There will be more videos!! And more interviews, so keep logging in to check.
In the meantime, RSVP for the event at: http://www.diegohuerta.eventbrite.com

Good news for all foodies! Casa Chapala will be providing us with delicious antojitos!
And don't forget, tempting CruzTequila with margaritas and shots!

Delivery of Photos at the MACC

June 8, 2010.
Agenda for today:
11 am - Parking lot at the Mexican American Cultural Center
12 pm - Uncovering photographs "Town of Clouds" at the Main Gallery
1 pm - Lunch!

Although it may seem as a list and as an item, the "uncovering" part was a huge deal. To transport the photographs we had to ask for help. And, use the elevator as our principal transportation. Then, take the bubble wrap off and gently place them on the gallery floor. Still, this is not all. After uncovering, you have to get an idea of what they are going to look like and how is the eye going to be able to accept the transition of colors, the sizes, the landscapes...so, you have to be a curator too.

I cannot put into words what I felt when I saw the whole 43 photographs laid on the floor. I cannot imagine how look they will good when the Gallery opens its doors. June 19th to be exact, 6.00 pm.

If you haven't RVPD, do so: http://www.diegohuerta.eventbrite.com

Hope you enjoy the clip!

MACC- Photographs Delivered from Dany Gutierrez on Vimeo.

The Story behind "The Washer"

Sundays are sacred. Sundays are for family and to spend time resting.
At least, that is what I learned when I was with the Huicholes.
So, on June 28, 2009 after a long walk to Cohamiata and eating a green mango that just fell of the tree, Diego and I walked down the river.

At the river, we met Sandra who was washing her clothes because she had school on Monday and needed to have her chores done.
Sandra washed her clothes with a pink squared soap. She gladly did this because she knew that it was her thing to do, it all depended on her and that she needed to do this so she can have clean clothes for the week.
I admire Sandra, not only because she washed her clothes but also because she did her chores knowing and acknowledging that her mom had done it for her before when she was younger. She was not only grateful for the job her mom did before but also for having soap to wash her clothes.

Back in San Andrés, I experienced this feeling every single day. I was grateful for waking up with the confidence that I would have water to drink, soap to wash my clothes and even a washer (and I do not mean my two bare hands) to do so. I continue to be grateful and thankful for having what I need.

Behind the Scenes - Exhibit "Town of Clouds"

If you want to know what you need to get an exhibit ready, prepare yourself, it is not easy but it will be worth it.
After being invited to the Mexican American Cultural Center last year, Diego and I have been preparing for the upcoming date: Saturday, June 19, 2010. 6.00 p.m.

Producer's Notes:

1. Promotion
- We have been really fortunate to have met a lot of nice people who are not only familiar to what we do but also, like to support art and care about the community. In fact, we have been lucky to come across clients who then become our friends. This is what happened with Hahn,Texas. Hahn, Texas is promoting the event through Cultural Strategies where Mando Rayo is letting everyone know about our event. In fact, you can check Mando's tweets or blog or even FB and you will notice that he has been letting everyone know the event on June 19.
- Invitations: by e-mail or personally. But, you should deliver them on time.
- Social Network: update your profiles to let people know what to expect.
*Dany's Twitter - FB - Blog
*Diego's Twitter - FB- Blog
- Eventbrite: RSVP by Eventbrite, is not only free but very friendly!
- Mass Media: Contact TV, Radio and Newspaper through Community Calendars.

2. Food and Drinks
HOW LUCK ARE WE?! Very lucky.
We met John Zamora from Cruz Tequila who is providing us delicious margaritas and tequila shots for those who are over 21 years old. And, for those little ones, you are more than welcome to come! Lemonade will be provided too.
And regarding food, well...
who knows? Even though we do not have anyone confirmed yet. I'm guess I'm staying positive that we will soon have someone wiling to provide food!
Also in the drink section, wine and Lone Star beer will be offered. Still hoping to have Dos Equis XX (Yes, stay thirsty my friends) on board too.

3. Photograph Transportation
Not only is it important to be sure that you have the photographs ready but also, to be able to transport them to the site where they will be shown. In our special case, we had to bring them all the way from Monterrey, Mexico to Austin, Texas. The drive was not long but we didn't get a chance to fit our bags. So, we had to ask for help in our families. Luckily enough Diego's sisters drove all the way to Austin with our bags and Rocco!


4. The Event
Now, this is what matters the most. We are coordinating the collaboration of food, catering, photo booth, artist's camera and music. People will be able to enter the Mexican American Cultural Center and admire the photographs and leave a taped message for the photographer.

5. Write about it!
This is what I'm doing right? Yes, I'm writing about what you should do and how to do it best when organizing an event. However, if you have any comments or suggestions or even tips that may help me, they are more than welcome.