Frontera NorteSur December 1999/January 2000

National Award Recognizes Mexican Artist

Juan Quezada Celado, artistic craftsman, was presented with the 1999 National Award for Sciences and Arts by the President Zedillo. The President gave Quezada a medallion, a cash prize, and a signed certificate at a special award ceremony in early December.

The organization for regional cultural unity (Conaculta) stated that Quezada was chosen by the jury for the National Arts and Sciences for best representational "arts and popular traditions" in México. The board feels recognizing him is an overdue homage to the "long and prolific contribution" the artesan has made to state and national art.

Throughout his career Quezada has maintained traditional Mexican art through his pottery. During his earlier years he discovered the old style of pottery creation and preferred to incorporate that approach into his classic works. Quezada believes that it is important to maintain classic cultural styles with the rich traditions of his hometown of Juan Mata Ortíz.

Patricio Martínez García, governor of Chihuahua, personally congratulated Quezada and his family on his accomplishments. During his visit Martinéz and Quezada reflected on the style of art and craftmanship practiced.

Source:El Diario

Women Migrant Workers' Contribution Goes Monumental

Cd. Juárez recognized the accomplishments of the Mexican woman migrant worker by erecting the first of four new sculptures in what will be an ongoing series of monuments.

The new monument titled "Migrant Women" is the work of Georgina "Gogy" Farias de Arellano, a world renown artist. Arellano titled the four-part monument characters individually as: "Woman with Tunic," "Woman of the Mountain," "Woman with Flowers," and "Woman with Shawl." These sculptures represent the admiration and respect towards the migrant woman.

Arellano also donated two sculpture pieces titled "Sun and Moon" and "Fountain of the Untamable" to the city of Juárez. Her work is recognized in France, Italy, Spain and Poland.

Manuel López Poo, manager of the Urban Image Group, stated that Cd. Juárez plans to build more monuments like this throughout the city.

Source:El Diario

Cd Juárez Included In National Home Construction Effort

Recently the National Labor Worker's Institute for Living (Infonavit) in conjunction with the state government signed an agreement to build 5,000 homes throughout México, 3,000 of which will be built in Cd. Juárez.

Patricio Martínez García, Chihuahua Governor, Luis de Pablo Serna, Infonavit director, and Ramiro Arroyos, director for Chihuahua Housing Program (Iviech) approved funding for the project which will be a first of its kind in México.

Cd. Juárez Mayor Gustavo Elizondo Aguilar stated that these particular homes were intended for low-wage workers. These homes come with insurance against natural disasters as a part of the agreement. The state government will provide the land and Iviech will build the homes. Infonavit's goal is to build homes that will last more than three generations.

Source: El Diario