Art Is Activism: Denver Creators Take a Stand Against Immigration Injustice

A paletero was ripped from his ice cream cart and taken into custody without notice to his family. This incident, one that occurred in Los Angeles but echoes stories from around Denver, was the inspiration for local artist and professor Tony Ortega’s print “Ya Basta,” which was recently on display at Metropolitan State University Denver’s Center for Visual Arts as part of its Futures: 528.0 exhibition. 

Incidents of immigrants not returning home, or artists spending weeks in detention centers, have become commonplace, leaving communities in fear or without resources, and allies wondering how they can help. For artists, their craft can be the best way to stand up to a system of oppression. In response to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids and other national and global events, artists and organizers across Denver are creating workshops, events and pieces that give voice to the struggles many of our city’s residents face. 

“We’re seeing an assault on our community,” says Luis Antezana, founder and CEO of Juntos Community, a local nonprofit organization that supports undocumented immigrants with career resources. “We are seeing tragedy and heartbreak every day,” he adds, pointing to instances of children coming home to find a parent gone, or people being sent home because their work permit wasn’t renewed. “It’s very tough on the mental health of our community, and crippling at the financial level.” 

Throughout history, art has served as a form of expression, a mirror of society, and a record of events. Can it also be a catalyst for change? One way Denver artists are toeing that line is by simply starting conversations. Juntos Community is an organization that will benefit from Crafty Action Society, a monthly event at CVA that brings people together to discuss the issues facing our community while they craft. CVA supplies the space and materials and lets attendees and organizers work together to find a use for their creations. 

Crafty Action Society was conceived by Katie Taft, CVA’s education manager, who saw a need for prompting conversations about what is going on in the world. “There’s obviously so much need for protest and gathering. I wanted to bring a way to do that into art making,” she says, noting that the first event in the series drew an intergenerational crowd, something you might not see out on the streets at a protest. “I feel like there’s a need for coming together in new ways,” she reflects.

Some artists create in protest, and some because they need to express their feelings. Tony Ortega created his print, “Ya Basta,” because he was angry. He remembers a time when paleteros roamed North Denver. “This wasn’t a criminal, it was just a guy making a living,” he says. Ortega’s outrage inspired him to create a print of the paletero’s story using a blend of contemporary technology and traditional printmaking techniques. According to Ortega, prints are an effective medium for spreading a message because multiple pieces can be made and distributed. 

Sometimes art isn’t about the fight, but about recharging. On Friday, March 27, Los Mocochetes will play at a benefit, “Chinga La Migra,” alongside Time, Jon Rubio, and Soy Celeste to raise money for legal and mutual aid for families impacted by separation. Jozer Guerrero, frontman of Los Mochochetes, shared that the band has been writing songs about immigration for ten years. While he acknowledged that music can be a tool for making difficult conversations digestible, it can also serve as a respite. “Music allows folks to refuel and recharge, to lift spirits, so they can get back out on the front lines,” he says.

Can art make a difference? “I don’t know, to be honest. I know I need to give a voice to my feelings. I think with some people I’m just preaching to the choir, and with others I hope I made them think,” says Ortega.

Crafty Action Society takes place on the third Wednesday of every month at MSU Denver’s Center for Visual Arts, 965 Santa Fe Drive. Tickets start at $10, and the next event is on April 15. Los Mocochetes will perform at the Chinga La Migra benefit concert at 5 p.m. Friday, March 27, at Gala Event Center, 4890 Pecos Street. There is a suggested $25 donation, but no one will be turned away.