"More than a Fence" Explores Mexico-U.S. Border

CSUSM's Kellogg Library announces a new art exhibit titled, "More than a Fence: (de)Constructing Mexico/U.S. Borders" beginning Wednesday, Sep. 18 and running through Wednesday, Dec. 18. The exhibit area is on the third floor of Kellogg and is free and open to the public during all library hours. An opening reception and meet and greet with the artists will be held on Wednesday, Sep. 18 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Kellogg Library Reading Room.The exhibit is a multi-media installation of photography, sculpture and texts that explore the symbolic and experienced impact of the Mexico-U.S. border. Created through a collaboration of CSUSM professors, students and community artists, the works of art have been created to engage the audience by questioning the meanings of the borderlands and immigration.Photography is by Communication Professor Kendra Rivera and her son CJ Rivera. Visual and Performing Arts Professor David Avalos coordinated the student sculptural pieces and artwork by guest artists, Pam Calore and Maria Teresa Fernandez. Visual and Performing Arts Professor Kristin Moss and Librarian Melanie Chu assisted in curating the exhibit. A panel discussion will take place on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Arts Building, room 240. Moderated by CSUSM Professor Aníbal Yáñez-Chávez, this panel discussion will feature a broad range of perspectives, experiences and research related to the Mexico-U.S. border including the border fence, immigration and legislation, the role of media and political activism and more. Panelists include: Dr. Michelle Holling, CSUSM associate professor of communication; Dr. Arcela Nunez-Alvarez, research director of the National Latino Research Center; Claudia Smith, California Rural Legal Assistance; a U.S. Border Patrol agent and a DREAM Act student.This exhibit was made possible by CSUSM's College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences (CHABSS) Faculty Development Grant; the Departments of anthropology, communication, liberal studies and philosophy; the CSUSM Social Justice and Equity Project; an Instructionally Related Activities grant; Marilyn Huerta, CSUSM community arts liaison and Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University.To RSVP for the open reception or panel discussion, request parking information or for any special accommodations, contact Outreach Librarian Melanie Chu at 760-750-4378.For more information, visit Kellogg Library.