SANTA PAULA, CA – The 18th Annual De Colores Art Show will open at the Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 N. 10th Street, Santa Paula, on Saturday, October 15th with an opening reception from 4 – 6 p.m. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Students of all ages are free. Delicious appetizers will be provided by La Cabana Restaurant and music provided by "Chato Rios and his Trio Los Principes.

The first De Colores Art Show was created in March 1995 in Santa Paula by artist/musician and activist, Xavier Montes. For the last 18 years, Xavier has presented contemporary art created by Latinos which expresses the Latino experience, culture and history in its traditions, pain and sorrow, and controversies through art. After much consideration, Xavier has decided that this will be the final De Colores Art Show. He will continue to set his sights on other projects that involve art, music and culture in our community.

The art show will feature over 40 paintings and sculptures by Southern California artists. The mission of the De Colores Art Show is to bring together the community of professional artists, promote Santa Paula, to recognize diversity, and to remember the plight of the farm worker.

An important inspiration for the De Colores Art Show was the work of Cesar Chavez and Delores Huerta. It was their commitment to the improvement of the lives of the campesino or the migrant worker. In addition, Mr. Montes seeks to generate community involvement with local citizens and motivate young aspiring artists.

The De Colores Art Show is sponsored by Santa Paula Latino Town Hall, Amigos 805, La Cabana Restaurant and DIVA tu!

The 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.