GRONK and MAX BENAVIDEZ at CARNEGIE ART MUSEUM

Thursday, July 19, 2007, 7:00 p.m.

CARNEGIE ART MUSEUM
424 South C Street (next to Plaza Park), Oxnard, CA 93030

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Gronk, who has made a lasting mark in the Chicano art movement and now the cultural world stage with street murals, performance and large-scale action painting will discuss the new book, GRONK, with author Max Benavidez. This publication is the first in the series A Ver: Revisioning Art History produced by the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center Press.

Gronk’s art has been exhibited nationally and internationally including at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the De Young Museum in San Francisco and the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. His stage designs have emboldened productions of the Los Angeles and Santa Fe Operas. Max Benavidez is a writer, independent scholar, essayist for the Los Angeles Times and a consultant to a wide range of cultural and academic institutions. Mr. Benavidez has long followed and chronicled the artist’s career.

In his book, Max Benavidez discusses how Gronk can cross genres, sexual categories and ethnic barriers, yet still remain true to himself. From street murals to glass art and operatic set design, Gronk continues to reinvent and to impact the art scene.

Gronk’s artwork is featured in the Carnegie Art Museum’s current exhibition, Regalos: Gifts of Latino Art on display through August 19, 2007. Previously shown at the Museum were the exhibitions, Gronk’s Tormenta - A Method and Gronk Returns: A Site Specific Painting, a 70-foot long temporary mural created during his two week residency in 2004.

A book signing will follow the discussion and audience questions. Books will be available at the Museum for this rare signing opportunity. Reservations are appreciated (but not required) at (805) 385-8158 or via email at camcornerstones@yahoo.com.