(PHOENIX, Ariz., Oct. 21, 2003) – Zarco Guerrero is known throughout the world as an international mask-maker. His desire to study with the best maskers took him from Mexico to Brazil, from Japan to Bali and from Thailand to Alaska. Currently, his rich and fascinating work entitled Caras y Máscaras is on display at the Phoenix College Art Gallery until Nov. 5.

Caras y Máscaras is a collection of wearable masks created specifically for theater and dance companies in Phoenix and across the United States and Japan. This display also includes a tribute to farm worker leader César Chávez in celebration of Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

Trained by his father as a portrait artist, Zarco became intrigued with the mask first as a child captivated by Yaqui Indian dance masks in Guadalupe, Arizona and later as a teenager while studying sculpture in Mexico City. The ancient Mexican masks in museums and private collections fascinated the young artist and inspired him to investigate the rich legacy of mask making throughout Mexico.

He traveled to villages in remote areas to witness mask dance and rituals. This fascination became a life long obsession to revitalize the mask in contemporary theater and as an urban cultural expression.

Zarco’s skill as a portrait artist and his desire to see his art breathe and come to life led him to experiment with different media in creating his masks. Ceramic, cast paper, fiberglass, carved wood and paper clay were all used and represented in this exhibition of more than 60 masks.

As a world-renowned artist, some of his achievements include:

- Founder of Xicanindio Artes, Inc.;

- Recipient of 1986 prestigious National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in Kyoto, Japan;

- 1990 his masks were featured in "La Mascarada la Vida," a play by Childsplay, Inc., which was featured at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.;

- 1993 he received the Governor’s Arts Award for his contributions to the community;

- Recipient of 1994 Scottsdale Arts Council Chairman’s Artist Award;

- Completed more than 30 murals throughout Arizona, including an oversized life bronze sculpture of farm worker leader César Chávez for the City of Phoenix; and

- Responsible for the first Dia de Los Muertos community display in the Valley, which appeared at Pioneer Park in Mesa.

The Phoenix College Art Gallery is open Monday-Friday from 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Admission to the museum is free. For more information, please call (602) 285-7277.

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