MCC and University of Guanajuato to unveil impactful, collaborative art exhibit

Public invited to May 22 art unveiling celebrating cross-cultural creativity and partnership

MESA, Arizona -- May 21, 2025 -- Mesa Community College (MCC) invites the public to a free, one-night-only art exhibition showcasing the culmination of a powerful cross-cultural collaboration between MCC and the University of Guanajuato (UG), Mexico. The event is from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 22 at the MCC Art Gallery on the Southern and Dobson Campus, 1833 W. Southern Avenue, Mesa.

Highlighting the work of students and faculty from both institutions, the exhibition features a blend of large-scale murals, 3D printed sculptures, mixed media, and digital arts. Each piece explores the shared identities of these two creative communities, using both traditional and modern techniques as well as local materials found at each institution. The result is a vibrant, interactive atmosphere that demonstrates storytelling through art and reflects on identity, migration and the creativity and richness of both communities.

This artistic partnership was led by UG Professor Miguel Zambrano and MCC Art Department Chair Gingher Leyendecker, Ph.D.Their efforts helped establish a creative exchange that took place simultaneously in Mexico and the United States, culminating in a final installation crafted by both groups working side by side.

Leyendecker reflected on the project, stating “When Miguel Zambrano and I first decided to collaborate on a project between our schools, we had no idea that it would grow to the size that it has.

“In the beginning, the idea was to gift each others' schools a 3D printed sculpture. As the students started meeting online and talking about designs, they wanted to add murals and masks. They created three murals, one from each area and a central one that represents a blending of our cultures. Our greatest challenge has been trying to make sure everyone has what they need as they work 1,400 miles apart and getting the artwork from one place to the next. The greatest strength is the creativity and resilience that the artists bring to the projects, and the friendships that have developed among all.”

The collaborative program involves 12 students and faculty from UG and MCC visiting each other’s campuses for a time to collaborate on art pieces for exhibitions in each country. UG students have been in Mesa since May 11 and will return to Guanajuato May 25. MCC students and faculty will visit UG June 7-17 to work on art for a similar exhibition there. They will have the opportunity to showcase the artwork conveying the identity of each host city, reinterpret traditional masks through a contemporary approach, continue using contemporary sculpture technology to create artistic pieces inspired by Guanajuato and experiment with traditional materials like mud and clay.

Gingher was selected to participate in the faculty development program for her proposal to integrate her learning into her Life Drawing and her Art History of Mexico courses,” said Jen Sydow-Madoski, program manager in International & Intercultural Education at Maricopa Community Colleges. “She envisioned a broader exchange between the MCC and UG art departments, believing that students and faculty would benefit from cross-border collaboration and dialogue around artistic traditions. Mission clearly accomplished!”

Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists and visiting faculty from Mexico during the evening event. Light refreshments will be provided.

Following the MCC exhibition, the artwork will travel to Mexico, where it will be displayed for audiences at the UG further extending the impact and visibility of this international partnership.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, [email protected]

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving over 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. For nearly 60 years, MCC has been a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges. The MCC American Indian Institute supports students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education and training. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional lands of the O'odham, Piipaash, and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.