Barton Community College’s Shafer Art Gallery will host a pageant performance of “The Miraculous Apparitions of the Virgin Mary,” Friday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. Actors from the Prince of Peace Catholic church will portray the popular Mexican story of the Virgin Mary’s miraculous appearance to Juan Diego in 1531. Admission is free.
Lady of Guadalupe is the Patroness of Mexico and the Americas. For 483 years her image has been a symbol of unity, peace and compassion for people around the world.
“It’s an important part of the heritage of the Hispanic culture and a big part of their beliefs and their faith,” event organizer Mercedes Helms said of the performance. “I just hope people will appreciate it, and realize the significance of this to the Hispanic culture, but also it’s a good way to show people what the gallery has to offer and just see all the value we have in our community.”
The performance is being presented in conjunction with the gallery’s current exhibit “Estamos Aqui,” which features contemporary serigraphs by 40 artists. Also included in the exhibit are works by local artists Humberto Saenz of Wichita and Hugo Gonzalez of Great Bend.
The visual language of the exhibit reflects a variety of themes including family and religious symbols, political motifs, Mexican pop culture and history.  In addition to the 40 framed prints, Estamos Aquí is accompanied by fully bilingual gallery text and labels, as well as a short film that outlines the artistic process.