Activities by Mary Erickson, Ph.D., with Arizona art teacher, Marissa Vidrio Who Am I?

Some of our ideas about who we are passed down in our families and neighborhoods. What are some important beliefs or values in your family or neighborhood?

We get other ideas about who we are from important activities in our lives, like school events, community celebrations or work. What are some important activities in your life?

The artists in the exhibition "Mixing It Up: Building an Identity" show us who they are through their artworks. The show features the work of Mexican American artists who build their identities by mixing up ideas from America and Mexico. Maya Gonzalez Blue Grandfather and Yellow Birds acrylic on archival paper, 2002

Ester Hernandez’ print, shows a woman artist (perhaps herself) making a new sculpture by combining two national symbols: the U.S. Statue of Liberty and an ancient Mexican stone carving. Ester Hernández Libertad (Liberty), 1987, etching

The title of Larry Yáñez ’ print, Cocina Jaiteca, reveals his mixed up identity. “Cocina” is Spanish for “kitchen.” “Jaiteca” is a made-up word that is pronounced “high tech- ah” in what Yáñez calls “Spanglish.” Yáñez was born in Yuma, Ariz., in His family lived in the area before it was part of the United States. He remembers playing under the kitchen table as his mother and aunts told stories and gossiped. Larry Yáñez Concina Jaiteca, 1988, serigraph

Which details of Yanez’ artwork suggest his American or his Mexican heritage? Taco and salsa “Modern” 1950s floor Desert outside window Virgin of Guadalupe Clock radio 1950s refrigerator and stove Aztec lovers on calendar Other?

Look carefully at this work by Tony Ortega. What do you believe he might be suggesting about Mexican American identity? Be sure to look at the man and also the government form Ortega used for the background. Tony Ortega Western Union Carpenter, etching, colored pencil

If you were making an artwork to show who you are, what might you include? Symbols of national identity? Work or school activities? Values of your family or community? Something else? Jerry Montoya Soy Americano, 2002, acrylic on canvas