Amigas Latinas Forever
An Exhiibition of New Works by Jose Luis Benavides (MFA ‘17) and Amanda Cervantes (BFA ‘16)
August 11–31, 2023
Chicago Art Department
1926 S. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60608
Opening reception: August 11, 6–9pm
Amigas Latinas Forever is a collaborative artistic response to the archive of the former nonprofit organization Amigas Latinas. Since 2020 Jose Luis Benavides and Amanda Cervantes have investigated the Amigas Latinas archive held at the Gerber/Hart Library and Archives. Amigas Latinas (which existed from 1995 to 2015) was a Chicagoland Latina Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans, and Questioning support, education, and advocacy organization that offered many events and services over its 20-year existence. With generous support from 3Arts' Ignite Fund grant, Luis and Amanda present original artworks responding to the archive. The exhibition also features prints by invited guests: Marimacha Monarca Press, and a special video screening of “Palabras Dulces, Palabras Amargas” directed by Linda Garcia Merchant, and Maritza Nazario. An open mic and several Zoom “pláticas” or discussion-based events are scheduled as well, including a Zoom-recorded storytelling event hosted by former “Amiguitas” organizer Daisy Zamora.