Scarab Club Honors Nora Chapa Mendoza with Beam Signing and Solo Exhibition curated by new gallery director, Dalia Reyes
The Scarab Club is pleased to present the upcoming solo exhibition and beam signing by artist Nora Chapa Mendoza. “Stages of a Life: A Retrospective” is a showcase of Nora Chapa Mendoza’s artistic evolution over the years curated by Scarab Club’s new gallery director, Dalia Reyes.
This extraordinary collection features a diverse range of mediums, including assemblages, paintings, paper mache reliefs, and various mixed media works. Nora’s art, reminiscent of Frida Kahlo’s introspective style, serves as a captivating visual diary of her life, offering profound insights into the world she has experienced. Stages of a Life opens to the public, Friday, October 13, 5pm until 8pm in the main gallery. Free and open to the public. Beam signing will take place at 6:30pm in the historic lounge.
Nora Chapa Mendoza, now at the age of 91, continues to create and to be a strong voice for the Latino community. Her story is a testament to unwavering dedication and a passion that never waned. Through her heart-led work, Nora’s art speaks poetically, boldly, and reminds us of the inherent beauty found within chaos. Her creations unveil the quiet moments of reflection that have the power to rejuvenate our spirits.
Nora Chapa Mendoza (1932-) is a painter and educator based in Detroit, Michigan. Born to Mexican parents in Weslaco, Texas, and raised in the American Southwest, Nora was encouraged at an early age to pursue her passion for painting. In 1953, she made a pivotal decision to relocate from Galveston, Texas, to Michigan to embark on her artistic journey.
Mendoza honed her artistic skills through formal education, studying art at the Detroit Center for Creative Studies and Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan. Her artistic journey was enriched by the guidance of accomplished Michigan painters, including Richard Koslow and Ljubo Biro.
Throughout her artistic evolution, Mendoza’s painting styles have spanned from abstraction to realism. However, a consistent thread in her work has been a commitment to civil rights and Chicano identity. As both an artist and activist, she has seamlessly integrated her art with various causes, including advocating for migrant workers, fair labor practices, indigenous identity, and civil rights. Notably, Nora Mendoza holds the title of a certified elder in Kanto de la Tierra, an intertribal council devoted to praying for the healing of the Earth.
Later in her career, Nora Chapa Mendoza extended her artistic practice to encompass restoration and mural projects. One noteworthy contribution was her participation in the 1996 renovation of Detroit’s Music Hall, where she was one of eight artists involved. In 1999, she received the prestigious title of Michigan’s Artist of the Year, along with the Governor’s award, in recognition of her outstanding service to Michigan, with a particular emphasis on Southwest Detroit.
Nora Chapa Mendoza’s artistic influence extends far beyond the borders of Michigan. Her work has been exhibited both in the United States and internationally, gaining recognition and appreciation in prominent private, corporate, and university collections.
To purchase artwork contact: Dalia Reyes, Curator + Gallery Director at dreyes@scarabclub.org
The Scarab Club is an enduring home for the cultivation and celebration of the visual, literary, and performing arts in Detroit. In welcoming all drawn to creative expression and artistic excellence, we aim to foster a stronger, more vibrant arts community. Located at 217 Farnsworth, Detroit, MI, 48202. Gallery hours are Wednesday – Sunday from 12pm–5pm.
