September 12, 2014 | SharkAdmin [image 1]Popular Latino artist, cartoonist and radio talk show host Lalo Alcaraz brought his humor, political satire and personal story to an audience of Northwest Vista College students, faculty and staff this week. His visit to NVC was part of the “Border Convo Tour” to promote his upcoming animated series “Bordertown,” which is scheduled to air on the FOX network in spring of 2015. Saying at times he feels, “too Mexican to be American and too American to be Mexican,” Alcaraz’s visual presentation at NVC showcased not only his perceptions of cultural issues regarding Latinos in America, but also touched on topics such as Furgeson, Missouri and gun control. Most known for his social commentary through iconic artworks, as well as the long-running syndicated comic strip ‘La Cucaracha’, the self-described ‘renaissance man’ answered questions and shared his personal experiences about growing up poor as the son of Mexican immigrants near San Diego, California. He also revealed where his favorite tacos in San Antonio can be found. Alcaraz explained how a mural art class at a Chicano art center changed his life. “I was a young lost ‘cholo’ who could draw,” he said. Jokingly adding, “At the time, I think my mother would’ve been happy with me painting restaurant windows during the holidays to make a living.” [image 2]He credits his enrolling in the mural art class with helping him find the focus which would eventually launch his career by working as the cartoonist for a student paper and helping him earn his undergraduate degree from San Diego State University, as well as a master’s degree in Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley. Event organizer and Mexican-American Studies Coordinator, Corina Gonzalez-Stout, said she heard Alcaraz was visiting San Antonio and wanted to make sure NVC was added to the list. “We are honored that an award-winning artist had a chance to visit our campus and meet with the students, faculty and staff,” she said. Lalo Alcaraz’s visit was made possible through the U.S. Department of Education Title V Innovista project at Northwest Vista College. You can view some of Lalo Alcaraz’s works by visiting laloalcaraz.com
