SANTA PAULA, CA – Xavier Montes, founder of the De Colores Art Show, will celebrate his final De Colores show and recognize his successor at a closing reception at the Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 N. 10th Street, Santa Paula, on Friday, January 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Students of all ages are free. Delicious appetizers will be served and musical entertainment will be provided by the incredible all-female group “Angels on Harps”.

For each of the last 18 years, Xavier has presented an exhibit of contemporary art created by Latinos which expresses the Latino experience, culture and history through art, including its traditions, pain and sorrow, and controversies. After careful consideration, Xavier decided that the current 18th De Colores Art Show would be his last. However, the annual show will continue under the new and capable leadership of Santa Paula artist Andrea Vargas who will be presented during the closing reception.

Montes regards the change as a “new beginning” for the art show as Vargas will undoubtedly bring fresh vision to the project. Vargas has exhibited her work in Oakland, Oaxaca and Ventura County. She has been an active contributor to the De Colores Art Show for a number of years and has described her own art as being “most importantly about color”. Vargas’ passion for color will serve her well in her new position.

De Colores will remain dedicated to its mission of depicting the dynamism of Latino culture, bringing together the community of professional artists, promoting Santa Paula, and recognizing diversity. The 19th De Colores Art Show is set to open at the Santa Paula Art Museum on October 27, 2012.

The current exhibit will run until January 29th, 2012 and may be viewed during regular Museum hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM, and Sundays, 12 PM – 4 PM. The Museum is located at 117 North 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060. For more information call 805-525-5554 or email info@SantaPaulaArtMuseum.org.