When you hear the name Cheech Marin, images of rolling papers and pot smoke probably come to mind.
But as the Chicanitas exhibit at Mesa Contemporary Arts proves, Marin is more than just a marijuana aficionado -- he also has a knack for choosing gorgeous, colorful art. The show features hand-picked pieces of funky Chicano artwork that Marin collected during his travels. Artistic styles range from photorealism to landscapes, and each of the more than 25 works from established and newer artists measures 16x16 inches or less.
Appearing at first glance as a disparate grouping, Chicanitas begs the audience to examine, interpret and appreciate each artwork individually, says MCA curator Patty Haberman. This reveals the true secret of the exhibitionthat the individual parts are greater than the whole, and size doesn't matter!
Thursdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays, 12-5 p.m., 2011