Travois First Fridays

Friday, May 4 featuring “Rituals” by Porfirio Gutiérrez (Zapotec)

6-8 p.m.: Exhibition open to the public
6:30 p.m.: Artist talk

Travois supports American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities and tribes in achieving their vision for economic and community development. Over 23 years, Travois has secured $1.3 billion dollars for affordable housing, education, health services, water infrastructure, and climate adaptation in Indian Country.

Art is a vibrant contributor to Native economies and a culture bearer for Native people. Travois is expanding our service area to highlight the strength and modern-day vitality of Native artists and to stimulate art purchases and commissions within one of the nation’s leading art scenes: Kansas City.

Porfirio Gutiérrez will join us on May 4. He is a proud descendant of many generations of Zapotec weavers from Teotitlán del Valle in Oaxaca, Mexico. In his artist statement, Gutiérrez detailed his background: For over 2000 years, this town has been a wellspring of Zapotec textile arts and culture. Gutiérrez’s father, who was a master weaver, saw his potential and took every opportunity to help him develop and refine his artistic skills as a weaver. As Porfirio’s talent grew, his appreciation for his Zapotec heritage and traditional arts deepened, and his personal expression has been influenced by stories told by his elders about cultural rituals, ceremonies and the Zapotec way of life in the past.

When Gutiérrez eventually settled in California, the artistic roots that were deep set in Oaxaca soon expanded to include influences from life in urban America. His work has now been shown in eight countries on four continents. The story of his art has been told in publications such as the New York Times and videos televised on PBS, Univision, as well as a documentary funded by the Smithsonian Institute’s NMAI. In 2015, Gutiérrez was chosen by the Smithsonian Institute to be one of only four artists in the Western hemisphere to participate in their prestigious Artist In Leadership Program. Gutiérrez continues to be a tireless advocate, educator and ethnic ambassador for traditional Zapotec arts and culture. Learn more on his website and Facebook page.

Preregister and receive two drink tickets at the event (21+). All ages are welcome to attend the event.

After 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, please register at the door upon your arrival. 

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