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Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy

with Diana Martinez, Director of the McAninch Arts Center

Diana Martinez, Director of the McAninch Arts Center, joins us to share this summer's Olmec Trails exhibition which showcases works painted on colossal stone head sculptures located throughout DuPage.

Have you heard about the Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy exhibition this summer? This unique exhibition showcases 33 artists’ works painted on colossal stone head sculptures that offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient Mexican culture.

Diana Martinez, Director of the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage, joins us to delve into the intriguing and mysterious history of the colossal stone heads, masterpieces of the ancient Olmecs, Mesoamerica’s earliest civilization. These awe-inspiring sculptures have served as the inspiration for the Olmec Trails project.

Installed outdoors in several locations throughout DuPage County, including Forest Preserves, the College of DuPage, the Mayslake Estate, and host cities, Olmec Trails will connect spectators to one-of-a-kind works while providing healthy and enjoyable outdoor experiences with both physical and mental benefits.

About the Exhibit

Mexican Cultural Center DuPage, in coordination with Meztli Mexico and in partnership with the College of DuPage Public Art Project and the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau, is proud to present its newest project: Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy. This new outdoor exhibit will feature hand-painted large-scale renditions of Olmec heads. These iconic Mesoamerican sculptures will be displayed throughout DuPage County in an expansive public art exhibition that will provide fresh and accessible access to the culture of Olmec civilization.

The exhibit will bring attention to the importance of public art and muralism and showcase the immense talent and creativity of the 33 contemporary artists from across North America while paying tribute to the indigenous roots of Mexican heritage. Installed outdoors in several locations throughout DuPage County, including Forest Preserves, College of DuPage, and the Mayslake Estate, along with host cities, Olmec Trails will connect spectators to these one-of-a-kind works while providing healthy and enjoyable outdoor experiences with both physical and mental benefits.

Diane Martinez

Diana Martinez is the Director of the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage and Chair of the College of DuPage Public Art Project. Diana has over 25 years in the entertainment industry, has directed over 40 musical theatre productions, and has been at the helm of iconic Chicago Area Entertainment organizations like Pheasant Run Theatre, the Paramount Theatre in Aurora, and The Second City in Chicago. Diana served on the board of the Chicago Cultural Council for two terms and has her BFA from the University of Illinois. Currently, she serves on the Board of the DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau, is Chair of Arts DuPage, serves on the board of the DuPage Foundation, and is a lifelong resident of Glen Ellyn.

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