WEEKEND OF SOLIDARITY FOR THE CUBAN FIVE - AT SPARC, MAY 22-MAY 23

Antonio Guerrero: One of the Cuban 5

www.thecuban5.org

International Committee for the Freedom of the Cuban Five

Contact: Suzanne Thompson (310) 570-5419 or suzannethompson55@gmail.com

WEEKEND OF SOLIDARITY FOR THE CUBAN FIVE

SATURDAY MAY 22nd 7:30PM-10:30PM
ART EXHIBIT AND POETRY READING OPENING RECEPTION

SUNDAY, MAY 23rd 11AM-2PM
BRUNCH IN VENICE  WITH DOLORES HUERTA "THE WOMEN BEHIND THE CUBAN 5"

(VENICE) In extraordinary circumstances, art becomes the first resort and last refuge of the human spirit. Nowhere is this more apparent than in artwork and poetry by Antonio Guerrero, one of the Cuban Five political prisoners held in United States, whose exhibit “From My Altitude” debuts in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 22nd, 7:30pm-10:30pm at the Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) Old Venice Jail Gallery (685 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA  90291). Antonio Guerrero’s naturalistic paintings speak volumes about his uncommon dignity, patience and courage. His paintings, conceived in total isolation, consist of scenes drawn from memory, which are lyrical reflections of this longing and nostalgia for Cuba.

The International Committee for the Freedom of the Cuban Five presents a weekend of solidarity with the Cuban Five and the Rights of Family Visits with paintings and poetry, documentary films and special presentations by actor/activist Edward Asner, Danny Glover and Dolores Huerta.

Saturday, May 22^nd  (7:30pm-10:30pm) opening reception “From My Altitude” original paintings by Antonio Guerrero. The exhibit opens at SPARC Old Venice Jail Gallery and closes June 11^th.  The opening celebration continues next door at Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center Theater, 681 North Venice Boulevard with readings of Antonio Guerrero’s poetry by Edward Asner, special pre-recorded message from Danny Glover, documentary film clips and update on the Case of the Cuban Five.  Suggested minimum donation is $10.

Sunday, May 23^rd (11:00am-2:00pm) “Women Behind the Cuban Five” fundraising brunch with special guest Dolores Huerta, co-founder and first vice president of the United Farm Workers of America, will be held at SPARC. Hear about the denial of family visits to the Cuban Five and how to get involved to reverse this injustice.  Tickets start at $25.

All proceeds benefit the International Committee for the Freedom of the Cuban Five. 

“The Cuban Five, political prisoners held in US prisons since 1998, were monitoring the activities of violent Cuban exile groups in Miami, to prevent future terrorists actions against Cuba. The Five are painters, poets, cartoonists, pilots, and engineers, loving husbands, fathers, sons and brothers. For more than 10 years the United States has denied entry visas to their wives. We are happy to be joined by Dolores Huerta on Sunday who will speak on the issue. It has been too long; it is time for them to go home, to their people and their love ones.”         Alicia Jrapko, Director, International Committee for the Freedom of the Cuban Five

Event co-sponsors include: Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC), Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, Venice Arts Council, Southern California Americans for Democratic Action, Joe Perez, Aris Anagnos, KPFK 90.7FM Media Sponsor, Whole Foods Market, Canal Club, James Beach and Dannys’.

Interviews and photos available upon request.

Rights to Family Visits Link:

Learn what you can do to ACT NOW:

For more information visit www.thecuban5.org