For the Reporter
As a Latina educator, participating in Highine College’s upcoming Latino Summit is especially meaningful for Kent artist Tracy Carrera.
In addition to co-leading a workshop session, Carrera gave permission for one of her paintings to be used in materials promoting the two-day event, Feb. 23-24
“When I was asked to be a part of this year’s Latino Summit, I was so proud and so excited, and I thought this image matched the richness and boldness and strength of what the Latino Summit is all about,” said Carrera, who joined Highline’s faculty in 2013 as a fine art instructor.
During her talk, she will reference that painting, a 2003 piece titled “Chingon Hermana Who Wears the Serpent Dress (Coatlicue).”
The image depicts Carrera’s version of the Aztec primordial earth goddess. The inspiration was Carrera’s identical twin sister Randi, who had conquered her seven-year-long methamphetamine addiction.
“In the painting, my sister is wearing a red bandanna, which speaks to the working class background we come from,” said Carrera.
Her expression – calm, looking forward at the viewer – shows a woman who is unashamed and triumphant.
The oil painting’s rich earthy colors – such as yellow ocher, cadmium red and oxide brown – reflect Carrera’s Southwestern influences. Born and raised in Utah, she earned her BFA and MFA in painting and illustration from Utah State University. She also spent a number of years living in California and New Mexico before coming to Washington settling in Kent.
The serpent adorning the woman’s dress “has special meaning to me as a Chicana. Quetzalcoatl is the plumed serpent, a Mesoamerican deity, known as the god of wind and learning.
“I enjoy referencing Mesoamerican iconography in my work. I’m proud of my culture.”
That pride is something she intends to share with summit attendees when she discusses how U.S. pop culture and her upbringing has influenced her self-identification as a Chicana, which has been a source of strength and pride in her creative career as a sensual impressionist painter.
“I’m so proud to be working with my Latino/a colleagues as part of the Latino Summit Committee. All of us on the committee want to empower Latino/a youth to embrace higher education and knowledge. It is our right and our duty to know ourselves and the world so we can contribute our special gifts to the world.”
Workshops, speakers at summit
The second annual summit will bring together high school and college students from the south King County community to learn and celebrate. The two-day event will include workshops and speakers designed to provide Latino students with the tools they need for success in higher education and beyond.
Guest speakers, including educators and graduates from Highline College, will share their professional and personal experiences with attendees.
The free summit is open to all on both days, 8:30-11:50 a.m., on Highline’s main campus in the Student Union (Building 8), 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines.
The summit is an extension of Highline’s commitment to diversity, social justice and multiculturalism for which the college has earned several awards and recognition.
For more information, visit highline.edu/latino-summit-2016 or contact Cesar Rangel, advisor and retention coordinator for the Latino Center for Higher Education at Highline: crangel@highline.edu or 206-592-4672.
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