Mesa Community College invites the public to a free, one-night-only art exhibition showcasing the culmination of a cross-cultural collaboration between MCC and the University of Guanajuato, Mexico.

The event is 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at the MCC Art Gallery on the Southern and Dobson Campus, 1833 W. Southern Ave. in Mesa.

Highlighting the work of students and faculty from both institutions, the exhibition features a blend of large-scale murals, 3D printed sculptures, mixed media and digital arts. Each piece explores the shared identities of these two creative communities, using both traditional and modern techniques as well as local materials found at each institution.

The result is a vibrant, interactive atmosphere that demonstrates storytelling through art and reflects on identity, migration and the creativity and richness of both communities, according to a release.

This artistic partnership was led by UG Professor Miguel Zambrano and MCC Art Department Chair Gingher Leyendecker. Their efforts helped establish a creative exchange that took place simultaneously in Mexico and the U.S., culminating in a final installation crafted by both groups working side by side.

Leyendecker reflected on the project, stating, “When Miguel Zambrano and I first decided to collaborate on a project between our schools, we had no idea that it would grow to the size that it has.

“In the beginning, the idea was to gift each others’ schools a 3D printed sculpture. As the students started meeting online and talking about designs, they wanted to add murals and masks. They created three murals, one from each area and a central one that represents a blending of our cultures. Our greatest challenge has been trying to make sure everyone has what they need as they work 1,400 miles apart and getting the artwork from one place to the next. The greatest strength is the creativity and resilience that the artists bring to the projects, and the friendships that have developed among all.”

The collaborative program involves 12 students and faculty from UG and MCC visiting each other’s campuses for a time to collaborate on art pieces for exhibitions in each country. UG students have been in Mesa since May 11 and will return to Guanajuato May 25. MCC students and faculty will visit UG June 7-17 to work on art for a similar exhibition there. They will have the opportunity to showcase the artwork conveying the identity of each host city, reinterpret traditional masks through a contemporary approach, continue using contemporary sculpture technology to create artistic pieces inspired by Guanajuato and experiment with traditional materials like mud and clay.

“Gingher was selected to participate in the faculty development program for her proposal to integrate her learning into her Life Drawing and her Art History of Mexico courses,” said Jen Sydow-Madoski, program manager in International & Intercultural Education at Maricopa Community Colleges. “She envisioned a broader exchange between the MCC and UG art departments, believing that students and faculty would benefit from cross-border collaboration and dialogue around artistic traditions. Mission clearly accomplished.”

Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists and visiting faculty from Mexico during the evening event. Light refreshments will be provided.

Following the MCC exhibition, the artwork will travel to Mexico, where it will be displayed for audiences at the UG further extending the impact and visibility of this international partnership.