University News

Luchadores Exhibit Closing Interview to be Held May 4

April 20, 2023

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MOLINE, IL - - Western Illinois University will extend the multimedia exhibit by acclaimed artist Miriam Alarcón Avila's work, "Luchadores Immigrants," to Wednesday, May 18. In addition to the extension of the exhibit, a closing interview will take place from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 4 in Riverfront Hall, room 111.

"By sharing these stories of Lucha, I sought to inspire, connect, encourage, educate, support and help others to experience and participate in a sustainable, inclusive and borderless world," said Avila. "I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with the Western Illinois University, with the School of Education and the Museum Studies department, for the opportunity to share these stories with the faculty and students, but mainly for creating a link between WIU and the Quad Cities community through the arts."

The closing interview will dive into Avila's work through an hour long discussion with WIU Museum Studies Assistant Director Angela McClanahan-Simmons. Mclanahan-Simmons will seek to uncover what inspired Avila to pursue her artistry and impact the lives of so many communities.

"Hosting such an art show is a tremendous opportunity for WIU and the entire Quad Cities communities to come together in a festive and meaningful recognition of the cultural contributions from the century-long experience of Latinos and immigrants in our country," said School of Education Professor Carla Paciotto. "We are grateful to Miriam for validating the life stories and histories of new and historic Mexican and wider Latino immigrant communities in the midwest, reminding us of the important roles they've played in our shared history and beyond."

For more information about Avila's work, visit miriamalarconavila.com. For more information on WIU's School of Education, visit wiu.edu/education. For more information on WIU's Museum Studies program, visit wiu.edu/museumstudies.

Posted By: Lexi Yoggerst (AJ-Yoggerst@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing