The House on Mango Street Comes to Life

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Local News

By: Ashmar Mandou

After years in the making, The National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA) will finally unveil its latest and much anticipated exhibition, The House on Mango Street: Artists Interpret Community on April 17th.

The House on Mango Street: Artists Interpret Community delves deeper into the acclaimed novel by Sandra Cisneros and how her story continues to affect communities across the country, especially here in Chicago more than 30 years later when she first penned the book. “I think, for me the most nerve wracking part will be watching Sandra Cisnero’s reaction when she sees the exhibition for the first time on Thursday,” said Chief Curator in charge of the exhibition Cesareo Moreno. “We collected artwork from various artists who have been influenced by House on Mango Street and artists whose work touches on the many themes in the book.”

The House on Mango Street: Artists Interpret Community addresses themes including identity, community, family, and hope, universal themes Moreno believes everyone, not just the Latino community will relate to. “Yes, we are a museum that houses the works of Mexican and Mexican-American artists, however this particular exhibit is designed to transcend cultural barrier and have people discover that we all have commonalities,” said Moreno. The new exhibit houses 75 distinct works of art and site-specific installations that represents the artist’s interpretation of one of the themes in the novel. The House on Mango Street: Artists Interpret Community is set to open to the general public on Friday, April 17th. NMMA, located in Chicago at 1852 W. 19th Street, will also host a special exhibition preview on Thursday, April 16th.

Exhibition Preview and Mango Street Suite Music inspired by The House on Mango Street Thursday, April 16, 6pm: The NMMA will present an exclusive performance of Reginald Robinson’s original musical compositions together with Sandra Cisneros reading the selections from The House on Mango Street that inspired them. A preview of The House on Mango Street: Artists Interpret Community will begin at 6pm, and a book signing at 8 pm will follow the Mango Street Suite performance. Dinner will be provided and availability is limited. The cost to the public for this event is $50 per person.

Opening Reception, Friday, April 17, 6pm: Author Sandra Cisneros will attend the opening reception of the new exhibition, The House on Mango Street: Artists Interpret Community. Sandra Cisneros will be present this evening and will sign books for guests.

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