On August 7, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the heart of Bagley Street will come alive with “Mezclaro,” a one-of-a-kind art exhibit and hybrid silent auction hosted in Mexicantown Community Development Corporation’s Galería at 2835 Bagley Steet, Suite 600, Detroit, MI 48216. The event is free and open to the public, with light snacks and refreshments provided.
Organized by Bloomberg Arts Internship program BAI / Culture Source interns, Jasmine Trejo Farias and Nazifa Chowdhury, “Mezclaro” is a donated art, fundraising exhibit hosted by Mexicantown Community Development Corporation (Mexicantown CDC), a nonprofit deeply rooted in Southwest Detroit’s vibrant Latino community. All proceeds from the hybrid silent auction will support Mexicantown CDC’s ongoing community programming and in its Arts and Culture Initiatives.
The name Mezclaro is a blend of “Mezcla” (Spanish for mix) and “Laro” (Bengali for mix). A reflection of the cultural fusion behind the exhibit. Jasmine, a young Mexican artist from Cesar Chavez Academy High School, and Nazifa, a Bengali artist from Cass Technical High School, created the concept to celebrate both their heritages and the diversity of artistic expression.
More than 50 photographs, prints, original oil paintings, paper and a cultural textile will be featured, many priced intentionally low to make art more accessible. The interns worked closely with Raymond Lozano, Mexicantown CDC executive director, and distinguished Detroit’s artist Vito Valdez to bring their vision to life.
“We believe everything is more beautiful when it’s mixed,” the duo shared. “Not only the blending of our cultures, but the variety of images, voices and mediums represented in the art.” “Mezclaro” is more than an exhibit. It’s a statement of unity, creativity, and giving back.
Hosted by Mexicantown CDC, the hybrid auction will feature a diverse array of original artwork including paintings, prints, mixed media and photography.
Participants can explore the collection and place secure, anonymous bids on-site and at an online site to be established. Entry is free and open to the public.
“Our mission is to uplift community through culture and creativity,” said Georgina García-Pfeuffer, Mexicantown CDC’s Operations and Communications Manager. “This hybrid auction is not only a platform to showcase art, but a powerful way to support initiatives that will impact community and cultural development in our neighborhood.”
The exhibit will be on display through September 3, when the bidding ends at 5:00 pm. Winning bidders will be notified via email. Proceeds will help fund upcoming exhibitions and youth art and culture programming.
About Mexicantown CDC’s Galería: The Galería is a cultural initiative of the Mexicantown Community Development Corporation, committed to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the culture, arts and heritage of Southwest Detroit’s Latino / Latinx / Hispanic community.
ABOUT Mexicantown Community Development Corporation: Mexicantown CDC has been preserving and promoting Latino culture, history, and art in the Mexicantown area of Southwest Detroit since its establishment in 1989. In 2007, Mexicantown CDC led the revitalization of Southwest Detroit by developing the Welcome Center and Mercado buildings and outdoor plaza, which honor Latino contributions to Detroit and Michigan.
