San Bernardino Valley College Presents Chicano Photographer Exhibition

I would like to thank everyone who came to opening of the Chicano Photographer exhibition at San Bernardino Valley College. I enjoyed meeting everyone and it was an honor to the opening of the exhibition at Valley Coleges's Gresham Art Gallery on Jan. 24.

On display were my documentary photographic series. The traveling exhibition, Chicano Photographer, explores the Chicano community and activism during the dynamic 70s. Ann Marie Leimer, Ph.D., gave a lecture on the political climate during the decade. Her presentation added context to the black and white photographs. Leimer and I later answered questions from the audience. Usually your lucky to get one or two questions, but I was asked quite a few.

The exhibition continues to Feb. 7, 2008. Anyone having questions about the series can contact Dr. Leimer at (909) 748-8505.

[Click on photos to enlarge. Copyright 2008 Jesús Manuel Mena Garza. All rights reserved.]


I enjoyed talking to the audience individually and as a group. I had the opportunity to discuss future projects including documentary photographs of the Navajo Nation and Oaxaca, Mexico artisans. During these lengthy discussions I enjoyed explaining photographic composition, darkroom techniques and my new business interest in real estate. All in all, the audience was very receptive. Many in the audience asked for my autograph and to pose with them for pictures. Now I now how Eric Estrada feels. I hope their pictures come out.

Some gave the exhibition a two thumbs up. Thanks!

If your museum or gallery is interested in presenting this show, please feel free to contact me at (909) 557-7151.

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Chicano Photographer Show in San Bernardino

San Bernardino's Valley College presents 26 photographs from the documentary series Chicano Photographer by California photographer Jesús Manuel Mena Garza, Jan. 22 through Feb. 7, 2008. The public is invited to a reception at the college’s Gresham Art Gallery on Jan. 24, 5 to 7 p.m.

University of Redlands’ Professor Ann Marie Leimer served as curator for the exhibition. Leimer notes, “During the past decades, Garza has extensively published and exhibited several documentary photographic series. The Chicano Photographer series explores important aspects of the American experience, historic events and cultural practices often marginalized by the dominant culture.” Dr. Leimer is currently developing a book on the photographic series.

For more information contact Ann Marie Leimer, Ph.D. at (909) 748-8505.

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