Artist Frida Kahlo’s birthday and her work will be celebrated June 25, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the auditorium of the San Diego LGBT Community Center. The celebration and fundraiser, Pachanga de Frida – Arte, Vida Y Tequila, is now in its fourth year, and is an event put on by The Center’s Latino services program and is sponsored this year by Baja Betty’s restaurant.
Carolina Ramos, director of programs and Latino services, said in an email interview that the event was originally the idea of Aida Mancillas, a Latino advisory committee member.
“Aida had this wonderful idea to do a fundraiser in honor of Frida Kahlo’s 100th birthday.” Ramos said, “It was such a great success (that) we’ve continued the celebration every year since then.”
Mancillas was an artist herself who held an M.F.A. in visual arts from the University of California and was well known in San Diego for her paintings and public art works. Mancillas passed away in February 2009 of brain cancer.
“Although Aida is no longer with us,” Ramos added, “Continuing to fulfill her vision is one way to memorialize her.”
The event will commemorate the legendary life of Frida Kahlo, one of the most influential Mexican painters of the mid-20th century.
Kahlo, born July 6, 1907 and mostly known for her self-portraits, didn’t start painting until 1925 after a traffic accident left her bedridden for many months. She began painting during her recovery. She started her first self-portrait during that recovery and finished it a year later.
Politically driven and strong willed are just a few things Kahlo was known for other than her paintings. “Frida was a strong, political firecracker, an amazing survivor, artist and activist who embraced her orientation in 1940s Mexico,” Ramos said, “That was not an easy thing to do. She is a true inspiration to all Latinos.”
Although Kahlo was never considered a surrealist, many of her self-portraits included things like flowers, snails and even a fetus, which gave them a surrealistic quality. Her work would usually tell a story of how she was feeling at the time the painting was created and was always very personal.
“Pachanga de Frida is a benefit for The Center’s Latino Services,” Ramos said, “[It] provides culturally and linguistically appropriate resources and safe space for Latinos to embrace all of who they are, including their culture, traditions, language, spirituality and sexual orientation.”
The celebration/fundraiser is open to everyone who wishes to attend, and has a reputation for being a night to remember. A live salsa band, traditional Mexican dance performance, art exhibits and even a Frida look-alike contest will be just a few of the things offered at the celebration along with food and Tequila from Baja Betty’s restaurant.
The music, food, drink and fun maybe the main reason people will attend the event, but the money raised will go to a very good cause.
“The program provides support groups in Spanish, advocacy and referrals,” Ramos stated, “But really, everyone benefits from this fabulous event. It’s a true Mexican Pachanga (party) where the entire community comes together to celebrate and support The Center’s programs. Everyone is welcome!”
For advance tickets at a discounted price of $12 you can go to The Center’s Web site and purchase them online at thecentersd.org or you can buy tickets at the door on the night of the event for $15.
The Center is located at 3909 Centre Street in Hillcrest.
