Contemporary Art Expo Opens in Ensenada
text by connie ellig; photos by connie ellig & david hopps
“I believe art is an important part of unity in the world. Art has no boundaries and transcends all races, religions, ages and economic states. In this world of holy wars and human wars, art surpasses these atrocities and brings people to a mutual appreciation.”
-- Joe Mizuno, LELA Lantern of the East, Los Angeles.

On September 25, 2005, art truly did transcend all borders and cultural differences as residents and visitors gathered together for the three eagerly awaited inaugurations of the LELA-Ensenada International Exposition of Contemporary Art. The exposition, held in three different Ensenada venues, featured more than six dozen paintings by 25 U.S. artists of various nationalities and 8 Baja California artists. Al Longo, Alejandro Martinez-Peña, Barbara Nathanson, Chiyomi Taneike, Erika Wain, Hideo Sakata, Jo-Geon Ha, Marco Miranda, Mario Acevedo, Marisa Caichiolo, Michiko Smith, Octavio Meillón, Raúl Lara and Seifu Nishijima were among the artists who attended the openings.

The first inauguration was held at 4pm in the Museo del Puerto where LELA President Hideo Sakata offered words of welcome and Ensenada Mayor César Mancillas presided over ribbon-cutting ceremonies before an audience of 150 art aficionados. By 6pm, the “art walk” had increased to 250 for the second inauguration at GaleriAH, where artists and guests had a greater opportunity to meet and mingle while sipping sake and wine.

By 8pm, the crowd of attendees had swollen to over 500 for the third inauguration that featured a classical ensemble, folkloric dancers and L.A. Cetto wines at the Museo Histórico Regional, the 1886 military barracks and former local jail. Here some of the paintings were displayed on easels while others were hung in the small prison cells, where interesting juxtapositions contributed an additional dimension to the concept of visual art.

The exposition was organized by the Lantern of East of Los Angeles (LELA), a non-profit organization that was formed by a multinational group of artists in Los Angeles to create a platform of cultural exchange between artists of other nations. Founded in 1996, LELA has deep roots in the countries of the Pacific Rim and a rich history of uniting visual artists in the production of exhibitions, workshops, performances and special events.

The LELA-Ensenada International Exposition of Contemporary Art is a unique opportunity to view or purchase outstanding paintings by prestigious artists of diverse styles and artistic visions. The expositions are open to the public until October 22, 2005 at three locations:

- Museo del Puerto, Calle Todos Santos #115 (a block from the bay near Hotel Corona), tel. (646)176-4716. Open 9am-6pm, closed Mon. Admission ($3dlls. adult/$2.50 dlls. students & teachers) includes entry to all permanent museum exhibitions. Director: Martin Barron, e-mail

- GaleriAH, Av. Alvarado #23 in Plaza Blanca between Calle Primera (Av. Lopez Mateos) & Calle 2, tel. (646)156-5050. Open 9am-2pm & 3-7pm, closed Sun. Free admission. Director: Ana Paola Pérez, e-mail

- Museo Histórico Regional, Av. Gastelum near Calle Primera (Av. Lopez Mateos), tel. (646)178-3692. Open Wed.-Sun. from 9am-5pm. Free admission. Director: Mario Acevedo, e-mail
 
 

Inaugural evening at Museo del Puerto, GaleriAH and Museo Histórico Regional.

On the left, a jail cell mural by an anonymous artist. On the right, an oil painting by an internationally exhibited LELA artist.

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