Hombres Verdes by Ricardo Gonzalez

In its newest exhibit, the H. F. Johnson Gallery of Art showcases the works of four artists of Mexican/Chicago heritage who share a strong cultural vision. Works in painting, drawing, photography and installation highlight how identity, gender, family, community and political issues can generate images or objects of beauty, reveal cultural misrepresentations, and elicit deep emotional response from the viewer.

Through Their Veins features more than 30 works by Ricardo Gonzalez, Salvador Jimenez, Xavier Tavera and Maria Tomasula. Mr. Jimenez will also debut one work he created especially for this exhibit.

The exhibit opened Feb. 2 and continues through March 16, 2012. An opening reception will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16. The artists will be present at the opening reception.

The exhibit is planned to coordinate with the Kenosha Big Read, co-sponsored by the Hedberg Library at Carthage, "Sun, Stone and Shadows; 20 great Mexican Short Stories," in March 2012. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Thursday evenings 6-8 p.m., and Saturdays 1-4 p.m.

By Xavier Tavera

By Xavier Tavera