Cheech Marin's art collection exhibited in Park City

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?Ojos de Miel? or ?Honey eyes?, by Gaspar Enriquez is part of Papel Chicano. Enriquez's paintings often feature people who have been part of his life and who represent a lifestyle that is part of the Chicano experience.

PARK CITY — Cheech Marin is well known as an actor, director, and of course, comedian. Although he became famous in the 1970s for his disreputable behavior as part of the Cheech and Chong comedy duo, he is now taking a more serious role: Marin owns one of the largest Chicano art collections in the nation and has become a prominent spokesperson and promoter for Latino artists.

"Paper is democratic – it is there for everyone. It is the most common material; only original ideas are uncommon," said Marin in a statement issued June, 2007.

Under this premise, Marin selected the most original works on paper from his collection and created Papel Chicano, a "product and application of Chicano identity, paper, and the urge to draw."

The works in Papel Chicano are currently on exhibition at the Kimball Art Center in Park City. It consists of about 30 pieces from Cheech’s collection of approximately 500 art works and represents a variety of artists and styles, said Corinne Humphrey, Public Relations coordinator for the Kimball Art Center.

Papel Chicano is "energetic, frivolous, and happy," said Barbara Fegely, who attended the inauguration of the exhibit March 21. "It is absolutely marvelous. I envy that type of talent," she said.

The Kimball Art Center is also featuring the fourth annual Arte Latino: A celebration of voices in our community, an exhibit with the work of local established artists, such as Ruby Chacon, Pilar Pobil, and David Maestas in the Garage and Badami Galleries.

Arte Latino is also giving emerging artists the opportunity to showcase their work.

"Veronica Lopez was an accountant but left that field about a year ago to start painting," said Humprey. Lopez is in the process of collaborating with artist Britney Flores on a commissioned painting for the Center for Ethnic Student Affairs (CESA) at the University of Utah and her works are becoming a voice for women in social issues.

Each of the works in Papel Chicano and Arte Latino has its own message, but as a collective whole, they represent the celebration of family heritage and individual pride.

Both exhibitions will be open to the public until May 3.