Cultural Coalition will host a First Friday Open House to mark the opening of the Mask Alive Art Collection Gallery on February 7, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Arizona Center in Downtown Phoenix.

The gallery showcases the unique artistic vision of Zarco Guerrero, a renowned artist, storyteller, and master sculptor. Featuring over 200 captivating works of art that span Guerrero's 50 year career, it is a colorful, joyful, and immersive cultural experience. Visitors will feel the transformative power of the mask as they explore the gallery full of over-sized 10-foot puppets, a quetzalcoatl performance art piece, bronze sculptures, upcycled mandalas, and over 100 different carved and sculpted masks.

"It is a dream come true to unveil the Mask Alive Art Collection Gallery and share the incredible artistry of Zarco Guerrero with the Phoenix community," said Carmen Guerrero, Cultural Coalition Executive Director. "Made possible thanks to Arizona Center, the space will also serve as a community hub as a legacy to the power of art to inspire, educate, and connect us to diverse cultures, traditions, and to each other."

The opening celebration will include:

Art Exhibition: Guests will have the opportunity to explore the Mask Alive Art Collection Gallery
Demonstrations: Zarco’s apprentices will share their sculptures, masks, and performance art
Family Activities: Visitors of all ages can make their own masks inspired by the creations of the artist
Shopping: Artwork by Zarco, Carmen, and the apprentices will be available for purchase in the gallery

For Zarco, this gallery is a continuation of his desire to connect culture and community, “This retrospective of my art represents a culmination of over 50 years of mask making work we’ve done with various ballet folklórico, mariachi, theater groups, and performance artists to take art into our communities. To ensure that art thrives! It lives! And we’re in this space to keep making that happen.”

Beginning in February, the Mask Alive space will offer visitor hours and First & Third Friday activations available for free to the public. Performances and artist workshops will also be available throughout the month, starting with beading and masking making, now open for registration. Visit culturalcoalition.com to learn more about the Mask Alive Art Collection, the Gallery, and upcoming programming.

Event Details:
Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Arizona Center, 455 N 3rd St, Suite #1045, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Cost: Free