As music filled the room, people danced, ate and walked around to view art or drawings.
These are only a couple descriptions that can be used to describe the Tierra de Oro annual art show.
Tierra de Oro is an art show that is hosted by La Raza Student Association. The art show began yesterday in the University Student Union ballroom. It featured art from various artists on campus and community music, dancing, mariachi bands, Spanish rock bands and folklorico dance groups.
Tierra de Oro is an annual cultural event that has been continuing on for more than 30 years. It is open to the public and students.
This year, the theme for Tierra de Oro, music and bands, featured a variety of popular Mexican songs and local bands. Three bands performed during the event with styles ranging from traditional Mexican music to Spanish rock and roll.
The Cal State University Long Beach Grupo Folklorico also performed for the audience.
La Raza also set up a drawing station for students as a way for them to de-stress with finals coming soon along with a photo booth for those that wished to have their pictures taken.
According to Cindy Garcia, lead coordinator of Tierra de Oro and treasurer of La Raza says that the event is a great opportunity for underrepresented artists to showcase their artwork as well as sell their art.
“This event is also a great opportunity for the artists to get their name out there and further their business and art,” Garcia said.
Tierra de Oro was an event that was primarily made for Latino students but has since grown to include everyone from different cultures.
Garcia also explained that is an event that helps everyone in the community.
“Not only are students invited, the members of the community are also invited to showcase their work,” Garcia said. “Tierra de Oro was created to serve the community and students.”
Most of the art showcased at the show reflected the Latino identity and culture such as paintings of Frida, Che Guevara and the Virgin Mary.
Artist Karla Camacho has been showcasing her work at the Tierra de Oro event for 3 years.
Her art reflects her Latina identity through a variety of mediums of art such as paintings, sketches and pottery.
“I’ve done my own version of Dia de Los Muertos catrinas, images of a female skeleton dressed painted colorfully and dressed in rich clothing,” Camacho said. “I’ve also created new images for the loteria game, a game that is similar to bingo but instead of numbers, images are used. I’ve specifically created images that show people with darker skin and curvier bodies since most of the images in the game are white and skinny.”
Fundraiser officer of La Raza and senior sociology student Norberto Lopez says that not only is the event great for local community artists but for the student body on campus as well.
“The event allows the students to join in and experience Latino culture, learn about the Latino culture through our music and art,” Lopez said.
Tierra de Oro is also a way for La Raza to fundraise for future events as well such as the Dia de Los Muertos event they host every year.
“The most important thing about this event that I want students to know is to come and enjoy the art and experience the culture,” Lopez said.
La Raza Student Association hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
La Raza Student Association will be hosting another free event on April 26 at 6 p.m. at the University Student Union Auditorium. They will be screening “Mendez V. Westminster: Para Todos Los Niños” along with an Q&A with the director of the film, Sandra Robbie.