Bibliography
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, May 2008
Artist Quarter
Connecting People with Nature
Valerie Rose, Redmond External Affairs
Cinco de Mayo:
Celebrating the Work of René Hugo Arceo
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Connecting key demographics with nature at times of the year that have significance for them is an innovative
solution to a clearly troubling issue. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall identified Connecting
People with Nature as one of this agency's six highest priorities. "If we don't do this, nothing else
we do matters," he said last year. Juancarlos Giese, Wildlife Refuge Specialist Rydell and Glacial Ridge NWRs, echoes the director's call. "Latinos traditionally have had strong ties to the natural world through agriculture and strong ancestral ties," explains Giese. He underscores the need to connect non-traditional audiences with nature in non-traditional ways. "Incorporating art with the outdoors and refuges is an exciting way to create future stewards of the environment within Latino communities," he says. Spring Song, a fresh and emotionally stirring opus that bursts forth from Chicago based print maker and painter, René Hugo Arceo, opens a symphonic field of visually impressive images that reflect his love and appreciation of nature. Featured in a recent exhibit, entitled "Rhythms of Nature", this piece resonates with the joy and melodies of spring where easy smiles from strangers and deliciously warm air, alive with the giddy enthusiasm of life, coax flowers and plants to emerge from their eclipsed hiding places. Arceo became interested in depicting nature subjects because he was born near Lake Chapala, in México, one of the largest lakes in the area and his hometown was about 5,000 feet above sea level. He has always enjoyed and appreciated the outdoors and nature simply because it was something that was always around him. "My uncles were fishermen, my father worked taking care of a fruit orchard. At home my father planted all kinds of fruit trees/plants including avocado, orange, passion fruit, grapes, [and] guavas", Arceo recalls. Arceo, a fine arts graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago and art teacher for children grades one to eight, says that an effective strategy for attracting Latino Americans to nature would be to sponsor family activities in parks and nature centers. It's sort of and if you invite them, they will come philosophy. People will participate in nature and wildlife activities when presented with opportunities, he says. "Latin Americans have a deep connection with nature and enjoy being in the outdoors as an extension of their places of origin. So, if opportunities are provided they will participate," - he explains. This month [May, 2008] we feature Arceo's work in celebration of Cinco de Mayo, observed annually on May fifth. The holiday commemorates the defeat of the French by Mexicans led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. People in the U.S. and around the world celebrate Mexican history and traditions on this day. Arceo's work has been featured in many Cinco de Mayo festivals and exhibitions highlighting this important Mexican historical event. |
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Valerie Rose, Redmond External Affairs |
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Main picture, far above: "Spring Song" Below main picture: "Sol. Luna" Then, below text: Arceo with wife Beata and son, Ollin Below, next to last row: "Spring Freshness", "Monarca sobre Chicago" and "Dolphins" Below, last row: "Fish-Eye" and "Doves" |