November 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY DECEMBER 10th, LOCAL NON-PROFIT AND GALLERY JOIN FORCES TO HIGHLIGHT RACIAL PROFILING AND SCAPEGOATING OF IMMIGRANTS
Portland, Ore. - The Portland Central America Solidarity Committee (PCASC) and the Launch Pad Gallery announce "CRIMINALES TODOS", a provocative group exhibition featuring work by emerging local talent. Launch Pad gallery will host the opening night reception on December 10th starting at 6pm. The evening will also include performances from local and national musicians, dancers, and spoken word artists as well as video testimonies from local residents describing their experiences with police.
Confronting the inflammatory politics targeting immigrants in recent years including increased police surveillance, tightened border control, and the heightened incidence of racial profiling across the country, organizers view the show as a platform from which to explore the impacts of discrimination as well as how communities are responding to stop the hate. "CRIMINALES TODOS", describes event planner, Craig Hennecke, "is a way to create space for conversation about issues that are difficult to talk about, lifting up the voices from our communities that are least often heard."
The exhibit features artwork from dozens of local artists through various mediums, including a mural designed by El Grupo Juvenil that was featured in the groundbreaking documentary, Papers, produced in Portland, Oregon.
"We want people to see that we are forced to live in the shadows because when we turn 18 we are labeled as criminals because of some documents. We want people to see that we should have the right to pursue our dreams and that we can be very valuable to this country." - Jose and Cesar, two members of El Grupo Juvenil, the Papers Youth Crew.
CRIMINALES TODOS (WE ARE ALL CRIMINALS) is a traveling community art exhibit aiming to inspire an ongoing dialogue and examination of the social, political and cultural issues related to the criminalization of communities of color. More information can be found at the blog:  http://criminalestodos.tumblr.com.
Launch Pad Gallery is located at 534 Southeast Oak Street, Portland, OR 97214. The exhibit runs from December 10th to December Jan 3rd. The opening reception is at December 10th at 6pm to midnight.
Contact: Brenda Salas Neves 503-236-7916,  Brenda@pcasc.net
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