Joe A. Diaz Collection Features Work by Luis Jiménez at Baylor University’s Martin Museum of Art

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Media contact: Terry Goodrich, (254) 710-3321
WACO, Texas (Oct. 6, 2015) – Selections from the Joe A. Diaz Collection, including work by renowned artist Luis Jiménez, are currently on display at Baylor University's Martin Museum of Art. The exhibit will continue until Sunday, Nov. 15. A reception with remarks by Joe A. Diaz will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8.
Diaz, an art collector from San Antonio, collects contemporary Latino art focusing on emerging and mid-career artists. The exhibit includes work by Gaspar Enriquez, Cesar Martinez and Gloria Perez. Featured at the exhibit is a gallery of work by Jiménez, known for his colorful fiberglass sculptures and vibrant lithographs.
Jiménez grew up in El Paso, Texas, in the 1940s. After watching his father, who worked as a glassblower his entire life, Jiménez attended The University of Texas at Austin, graduating in 1964 with a bachelor's degree in fine arts. Much of Jiménez' work is influenced by native and Latino cultures and has stirred both opposition and support.
"The purpose of public art is to create a 'dialogue,'" Jiménez said. "I like that word better than 'controversy.'" Jiménez' work is displayed in many highly esteemed museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
The reception and gallery talk with Joe Diaz will include light refreshments. The exhibition and events are free and open to the public.
The Martin Museum of Art is located in the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center at 60 Baylor Ave. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. The museum is closed on Mondays, during Baylor University holidays and in between exhibitions.
For more information, visit the Martin Museum of Art webpage, or call (254) 710-1867.
by Bethany Harper , student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
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