"Abuelas" (grandmothers) was the theme of a year-long art installation at La Casita Cultural Center in the Fall of 2020. The exhibit, which opened in mid-September in commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), highlighted the impact abuelas have on their families and featured works by Latine artists Juan Juarez, Juan Cruz, Bennie Guzman, Peggy Robles-Alvardo, Daisy Arroyo, along with a collection of community sourced photographs, videos, poetry and shared narratives depicting family stories about abuelas.
As part of the exhibition, the Balcón Criollo (Creole Porch) depicted the sewing room of an abuela, with photos and memorabilia provided by Syracuse University students and community partners, curated by Bennie Guzman and Teresita Paniagua. The Balcón Criollo is a permanent installation in La Casita's gallery space that transforms each year to fit the annual theme of the exhibit.
Other components of this exhibition include the "Virgen de Guadalupe," , the "Abuela Stories Project," an installation of photos and poetry capturing abuelas as artists, dancers, drummers and rebels redefining themselves, and "The Roses that Grew From the Concrete," a series of portraits by artist Bennie Guzman highlighting the five generations of women in his family; and many more.
However, beyond the exhibition, La Casita also celebrated abuelas through youth programming, artist talks and virtual events throughout the academic school year.
