Hecho en Colorado \ Latino Cultural Arts Center \ 7.22.2020
Lorenzo Trujillo performing with the Mariachi Los Correcaminos de MSU Denver
Hecho en Colorado has over 50 works in the Ballantine Gallery at History Colorado, courtesy of the Abarca Family Collection housed at the Latino Cultural Arts Center. This is one of only a few times that a major institution in Denver has acknowledged the history and artistic contributions of Chicanos & Mexicanos to Colorado. Among the influential artists in the exhibition is the beloved Dr. Lorenzo Trujillo of Denver.
It is with great zeal that Dr. Trujillo teaches music as the Director of the Metropolitan State University Mariachi Program and Sacred Hispanic Music for the Conservatory of Music at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver. He is also a practicing attorney with a focus on statewide and national policies impacting law, education, the arts and the livelihoods of families.
Trujillo has spent the past 50 years of his life working for Latinos through the arts to educate and instill pride in the future of our youth so that they can prevail despite overt prejudice. In the past 5 years, he has been establishing a premier Mariachi program at Metropolitan State University. Now in its 5th year, they have a dedicated partnership with the Latino Cultural Arts Center. This program provides students with the opportunity to feel a part of the mainstream of academia and recognizes the unique musical contributions that are made by Chicanos and Mexicanos. Trujillo worked to get students on the Colorado Symphony’s main stage and in major concert halls including the Paramount Theater and the King Center at Auraria Campus.
Lorenzo Trujillo and students at the 4th Annual 2020 Viva Southwest Mariachi Festival
“I am passionate about this work because I believe in using my gifts so that our youth and Latino community may have a strong and positive sense of self-worth and identity. Chicanos, Hispanos, Native Americans and Latinos all have rich past and present contributions to American society. Many suffer from institutional racism and prejudice resulting in being treated as second class citizens. It is only through education and understanding of who we are will we be able to achieve and progress.” – Dr. Lorenzo Trujillo
Hecho en Colorado exhibition at History Colorado
In the Hecho en Colorado exhibition you will find Lorenzo’s violin case with his family crest, and awards that commemorate his legacy as a musician, arts advocate and educator. The instrument case is made from wood dating back to the mid 1800s’. Later, a family friend custom-made the cover with the Mexican tooled leather tradition of floral designs. The inside is draped with a beautiful blue lining. Additionally, exhibited are his Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, the Su Teatro Colorado Chicano Music Hall of Fame Award and an honor from Hilos Culturales, a group he helped to form to preserve Hispano music and dance traditions.
Lorenzo Trujillo pictured with his band The Southwest Musicians
Visit www.LCAC-Denver.org to learn more about the Hecho en Colorado exhibition on view at History Colorado through January 10, 2021. Consider attending weekly Cafecitos that will grant exclusive access to groups who register in advance. Larger virtual events with artists discussing their influences and experiences will also take place via Zoom.
NEW Familia & Amigos Private Group Tours with Adrianna Abarca For those who can’t make a Cafecito, we are now offering Familia y Amigos Private Group Tours with LCAC Founder and Hecho en Colorado Curator, Adrianna Abarca. Enjoy $2 off when you book an exclusive 1-hour tour with 8 of your closest friends and family. Schedule directly with Adrianna Abarca by calling 720-353-2233.
