“Am I not here who am your mother” Coatlaxopeuh to Cuauhtlatuohac, (Juan Diego) 1531 On the hill of Tepeyac On December 12, 1531, on a hill called Tepeyac in Mexico, a middle age Indian named Juan Diego saw a vision of a lady whose garments gleamed of light, color and splendor. She spoke in the native tongue of the Aztecs. It is said that she summoned Juan Diego to tell the Spanish Priests to build her a temple at the sight where she had been worshiped by the Aztecs and known by her people as Tonanzin, mother of the Gods and of the Earth. Every year on this day Centro Cultural Aztlan produces and presents an annual Celebracion a la Virgen de Guadalupe with one of the most beautiful exhibits and of it’s kind. In addition to exploring this secular icon and its significance in the Latin American community, visitors can experience this phenomenon through a visual narrative showcasing a myriad of artistic representations by some of San Antonio’s most noted artists. This exhibition is the oldest and most reverend featuring La Virgen de Guadalupe as the main theme. Join us at the opening reception Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 6-9pm. Live music by NYA students and Trio Ardiente. Participating Artists include: Richard Arredondo, Rob Benavides, Jennifer Charo, Monica DelaCruz Walker, Henry De Leon, Mónica Estrada-Saldaña, Anel I. Flores, Oscar Galván Jr., Dr. Hector Garza, Noé Garza, Xavier Garza, Angelica Gomez Mayorga, Kandelyne Gomez, Leticia Huerta, Edna Lugo Martinez, Celeste de Luna, Tirzo O. Martinez, Raisa A. Melendez Tardi, Richard O. Menchaca, Alexandra Nelipa, Angelina Pliego, Israel Rico, Afredo L. Rodriguez, Jacquelyn Salgado, José Segura, Raúl Servín, Sarah Shore, Al Rendon, Ludivina Smith, Anita Valencia, Jaclyn Valdez, Stephanie Zapata, and Alicia Zavala Galvan. In addition to the exhibition opening, an art market featuring local vendors will be available December 12th from 6-9pm. Visitors may purchase unique artwork, crafts, and Artesanía inspired by La Virgen de Guadalupe and other holiday themes. Participating artists include: Alejandro Abeledo, Angelica Mayorga, Chelsea Talavera, Ludivina Smith, Antonio Garcia, Valente Arjona, Barbara Guzman, Jacquelyn Salgado, Julieta Heredia Ferrer, Richard Menchaca, Sarah Shore, Israel Rico, Malu Berumen,Carol A. Perez, Debi Lively, Michael Villanueva, Noe Garza, Angelina Pliego, Bob Benavides, Norma Gomez, and more! The exhibition is free and open to the public and will be on view December 12th and from January 2nd-January 23, 2025, Monday-Thursday, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, except for holidays.