Talents of local artists on full display

CALEXICO — After three years of casually sharing his photography work, Ernesto Jaime decided it was time to showcase his work to the masses and participated in Calexico Arts Commission’s annual Black and White Show.

Jaime was one of 15 artists that participated in this year’s art show held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the Carmen Durazo Cultural Arts Center here.

“I just thought it was time to start sharing my work. I normally keep it to myself and share it on Facebook, share it with my friends but I thought it was time to share it with everyone else,” said Jaime on his first time participating in an art show.

The photographer showcased six of his photos, which were some of the 45 art pieces in total on display.

All pieces, which included photography, pencil-on-canvas, hand paintings and three-dimensional items, consisted of only black and white.

“It’s just a different opportunity to use your creativity. You can’t use color so you have to be creative in black and white,” explained Sandra Tauler, the city of Calexico’s community services director. “The artists like the challenge and like that form of expression, so we always get a lot of interest.”

The art show featured no contests of any kind and simply acts as a gathering to enjoy what’s on display, mentioned Tauler, who has organized the event since 2008.

The Arts Commission holds an art show once a month, each time with a different theme, to showcase the work of local artists.

“During the year, we try to offer a variety of opportunities for artists to express themselves, and so once a year we allow them to express themselves in black and white,” noted Tauler.

“It’s a great opportunity for all of us. For example, this being my first time ever, it’s really special for me just the fact that I get to show it,” stated Jaime. “Seeing the work that other people are showing shows me that we’re getting there culturally and that the community is growing. This gives us a little space to display and talk about art, not just photography but about the paintings, the graphics and everything like that.”

VINCENT OSUNA PHOTO Daniel Nieto (left) and Leslie Pacheco discuss a graphic design piece during the Calexico Arts Commission’s 2018 Black and White Show held at the Carmen Durazo Cultural Arts Center in Calexico on Tuesday night.

VINCENT OSUNA PHOTO Carolina Lopez (right) and Emilia Ochoa look at a number of exhibits on display during the Calexico Arts Commission’s 2018 Black and White Show in Calexico on Tuesday night.

VINCENT OSUNA PHOTO A number of pencil-on-canvas art pieces by Mary Jo Chatiovsky on display during the Calexico Arts Commission’s 2018 Black and White Show on Tuesday night.

VINCENT OSUNA PHOTO A handpainted art piece, done by Calexico Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Hildy Carrillo is on display during the Calexico Arts Commission’s 2018 Black and White Show.