Experiencing 516 Arts' "20 Years, 20 Artists" exhibit is like taking a trip, the director of Working Classroom said.
"You can sort of travel the world while walking through that gallery," Nan Elsasser said.
The exhibit is a team effort between 516 Arts and Working Classroom. It celebrates Working Classroom's 20th anniversary by featuring work from artists who have contributed to the program. The exhibition includes works from Poland, Mexico, China, Columbia and the United States, Elsasser said. The show runs through Feb. 16.
Working Classroom is a small arts organization dedicated to promoting art in underprivileged areas, Elsasser said.
"Our mission is to provide the training and opportunities for aspiring artists and actors from historically ignored communities," she said.
Paco Guevara, Working Classroom's regional arts program developer, said the international artists have created a diverse collection of art.
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Although only 20 artists are represented in the exhibition, there are many more who have taught at Working Classroom in its 20-year history, Elsasser said.
And their pupils have gone on to apply those lessons, she said.
"We have a lot of students that have been through our program who are art students now at UNM," Elsasser said.
Guevara said Working Classroom is doing important things for the art community.
"Another cool thing about Working Classroom is that even though we are a small organization, we are bringing major contemporary artists to Albuquerque," he said.
It is important to teach the younger generation about art and its relevance in our society, Elasser said.
"I think the arts have a particular role in telling us and showing us who we are, where we've come from and where we're going," she said.
