MECA presents Chuy Benitez: Taquerías Southmost opening reception

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Photo by Chuy Benitez

Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts will present a photographic exhibition by Chuy Benitez, Taquerías Southmost​, procured by Texas Folklife and the Brownsville Historical Association (BHA). Texas Folklife conducted fieldwork in the Southmost community as part of its NEA-funded statewide survey of food traditions.

The Southmost area of Brownsville is home to almost a third of the city’s 175,000 residents. Geographically it is located on the southernmost populated tip of Texas along the banks of the Rio Grande and bounded by the infamous border wall. Economically, historically and culturally it is the most underserved area of the city, but the local Mexican food restaurant industry is booming. More than 20 locally-owned taquerias have established within a three-mile radius of Southmost Road, the main artery of the neighborhood. Locally it is known as "Taco Boulevard."

This exhibition explores themes of celebration, entrepreneurship, politics and policy, history, family, tradition, and the handmade. The photographs highlight a tight-knit community whose cultural pride and passion have been captured photographically. “The Taquerías of Southmost” exhibit provides an entrance into an otherwise closed and guarded population, easily mistrustful of outsiders.

Following the opening reception, the exhibit will be on display through March 4.

Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts will present a photographic exhibition by Chuy Benitez, Taquerías Southmost​, procured by Texas Folklife and the Brownsville Historical Association (BHA). Texas Folklife conducted fieldwork in the Southmost community as part of its NEA-funded statewide survey of food traditions.

The Southmost area of Brownsville is home to almost a third of the city’s 175,000 residents. Geographically it is located on the southernmost populated tip of Texas along the banks of the Rio Grande and bounded by the infamous border wall. Economically, historically and culturally it is the most underserved area of the city, but the local Mexican food restaurant industry is booming. More than 20 locally-owned taquerias have established within a three-mile radius of Southmost Road, the main artery of the neighborhood. Locally it is known as "Taco Boulevard."

This exhibition explores themes of celebration, entrepreneurship, politics and policy, history, family, tradition, and the handmade. The photographs highlight a tight-knit community whose cultural pride and passion have been captured photographically. “The Taquerías of Southmost” exhibit provides an entrance into an otherwise closed and guarded population, easily mistrustful of outsiders.

Following the opening reception, the exhibit will be on display through March 4.

Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts will present a photographic exhibition by Chuy Benitez, Taquerías Southmost​, procured by Texas Folklife and the Brownsville Historical Association (BHA). Texas Folklife conducted fieldwork in the Southmost community as part of its NEA-funded statewide survey of food traditions.

The Southmost area of Brownsville is home to almost a third of the city’s 175,000 residents. Geographically it is located on the southernmost populated tip of Texas along the banks of the Rio Grande and bounded by the infamous border wall. Economically, historically and culturally it is the most underserved area of the city, but the local Mexican food restaurant industry is booming. More than 20 locally-owned taquerias have established within a three-mile radius of Southmost Road, the main artery of the neighborhood. Locally it is known as "Taco Boulevard."

This exhibition explores themes of celebration, entrepreneurship, politics and policy, history, family, tradition, and the handmade. The photographs highlight a tight-knit community whose cultural pride and passion have been captured photographically. “The Taquerías of Southmost” exhibit provides an entrance into an otherwise closed and guarded population, easily mistrustful of outsiders.

Following the opening reception, the exhibit will be on display through March 4.

WHEN

WHERE

MECA
1900 Kane St.
Houston, TX 77007
https://www.meca-houston.org/

TICKET INFO

Admission is free.
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