Movimiento Artistico del Rio Salado

In a state that is often thought of when it comes to art, the Movimiento Artistico del Rio Salado in Phoenix is an art cooperative that was formed following the Floricanto Culture Week in 1978. The group is made up of primarily Hispanic artists and the intention was to establish exhibit space in the Southwest for these artists. They also sought to bring art to Phoenix area schools, as well as political and social functions. They also envisioned creating a stronger art community and creating a cultural center in the Salt River Valley. The first of the cooperative galleries opened in 1981 in South Phoenix. Awhile later, another gallery was opened in the Fina Cocina Restaurant. Movimiento Artistico del Rio Salado has sponsored a variety of Mexican-American artists who travel to the area. They have also sponsored a variety of Hispanic art exhibits. They host an annual display in the Ariztlan Group and the La Phoenicquera, which is a juried exhibit. In an effort the bring effort to the Hispanic community and an effort to expose the public to Hispanic art, the Movimiento Artistico del Rio Salado continues to reach out today, supporting the art community in a very special way.