Heidi M.
Yelp
We came back to the Chicano Park Museum this year while on vacation, and absolutely loved art exhibit that was on display. We happened to be there the first day of this exhibit which focused on immigration and on the plight of farm workers in this country. This display was interactive and personal. It put the real faces to the people who put food on our tables. So often today, these hardworking men and women are taken for granted, abused, or forgotten about. They are heroes, though, they deserve to be heard, to be shown gratitude. The art displayed in one area is actually a dinner table. The plates have the quotes of farm workers on them. The images of these individuals are on the chairs, and there is a heart "corazon" suspended above the table linking all of it together. Food is life, food is love, food is culture. It is something we all need, something that unites us all. This display which had other more intricate and symbolic details demonstrates this message beautifully. Other displays related to immigration focus on the symbolic connection to the butterfly "mariposa." With this one, visitors can color and include their own butterfly to the wall. In another, you could light candles. This draws you in to this experience and hopefully allows you to feel compassion and a connection to the Migrant workers, those who come here to the U.S. looking for hope, for sanctuary, and a better life.
This whole display touched my heart. The people who work at the museum are very helpful and welcoming. I highly recommend visiting this hidden gem. I wish it would get more attention in the media. I will be back next year on our annual trip to San Diego.