The National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque announces the opening of “Meso-Americhanics (Maneuvering Mestizaje) de la Torre Brothers and Border Baroque” September 12, 2008, 6 p.m., with a free public reception in the Center’s Art Museum. On September 20, 2008, brothers Einar and Jamex de la Torre will lead a free tour of their exhibition, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

The National Hispanic Cultural Center is located at 1701 4th Street SW on the corner of 4th Street and Avenida César Chávez.

Einar and Jamex de la Torre are a two-man bi-national renaissance, traveling between National City, California and Ensenada, Mexico on a weekly basis. Their parallel appreciation of both cultures and personal experiences lead them to create art free of labels and feeds their desire to preserve the survival of the possibility of doing something new. They translate their creative passion and critical thinking into intensely collaborative, opulent and monumental blown glass, mix-media works. And, even though their art constantly addresses and questions complex issues, they love a joke, a visual pun, hidden symbols and wordplay.

“The National Hispanic Cultural Center continues to establish itself as one of the premier art destinations in the country,” said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. “’Meso-Americhanics’ promises to both entertain and stimulate all who see it. We encourage all New Mexicans and their visitors to take part in this special event.”

For the de la Torre Brothers nothing – and everything – is sacred, including politics, religion, tradition, and geographical location. Visually and socially timely, Einar and Jamex de la Torre have their fingers on the pulse of popular culture and excel in peeling off layers of the 21st Century transnational world. Their edgy creations, fusions of glass, cast resin, popular arts, video, and dollar-store treasures unmistakably defy designation and veer into a new place that might be known as Border Baroque.

Center Visual Arts Director, Dr. Tey Marianna Nunn said, “Wait until you see this incredible work – the de la Torre brothers are funny and courageous. They mix up everything about their bi-national experience and influences and spit it out.”

The brothers were born three years apart in Guadalajara, Mexico and moved to Orange County, California when they were in elementary school. Nationally and internationally recognized masters of the specialized technique of glass blowing, both brothers studied at California State University in Long Beach and taught at the preeminent Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington.

Recipients of numerous awards, they recently were honored with both 2007 Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Award and the 2007 Joan Mitchell Foundation Award. “Meso-Americhanics” is organized by the Center’s Visual Arts Program and the Museum.

For a complete listing of programs and activities at the National Hispanic Cultural Center call 505-246-2261 or visit www.nhccnm.org. Art Museum hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and free for children ages 16 and younger. The Center is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Hispanic arts and culture at the state, national and international levels and is a Division of the Department of Cultural Affairs.