In a celebration of art, culture and Hispanic heritage, Anythink announces that it will host Xólotl: Dios Perro – a large monumental alebrije (pronounced ah-le-bree-heh) sculpture created by renowned Mexican artist Óscar Becerra Mora – at its Anythink Wright Farms location in Thornton, Colo., beginning Oct. 13. This vibrant, 140-pound work of art comes to Anythink through a partnership with Adams County and the Mexican Cultural Center of Denver.

“The Mexican Cultural Center is beyond honored to partner with Adams County and Anythink Libraries to exhibit the Xólotl: Dios Perro monumental alebrije,” says Marcela de la Mar, president of the Mexican Cultural Center Board. “This fantastical and mythical art piece will not only bring Adams County residents the opportunity to learn more about the technique used by artist Óscar Becerra Mora, but also the opportunity to learn more about Mexican culture and the Día de los Muertos celebration.”

Created in the style of cartonería – a modern form of Mexican folk art that uses papier-mâché – Xólotl: Dios Perro brings a unique cultural opportunity to the community. Alebrijes are a Mexican depiction of fantastical creatures that can take on a variety of representations. Xólotl (pronounced sho-lotel) is an Aztec dog deity that represents the lord of the underworld, a figure who was able to transform into a variety of figures, animals and objects. As such, this sculpture complements the celebration of Día de los Muertos, the Mexican holiday that commemorates the passing of loved ones. As COVID-19 has impacted the lives of individuals locally and globally, the public is invited to contribute to a community altar hosted at Anythink Wright Farms alongside the alebrije exhibition.

“We are honored to partner with the Mexican Cultural Center and Anythink Libraries to bring the work of contemporary artist Óscar Becerra Mora to our residents,” says Adams County Manager Raymond H. Gonzales. “Alebrije and the arts programming around it will provide inspiration to our community during these unprecedented times and celebrate the rich diversity of Adams County during Hispanic Heritage Month.”

Xólotl: Dios Perro will be on display for the public to view from Oct. 13-Nov. 14, 2020. Mora, along with other volunteers, will be making repairs and updates to the sculpture during the week of Oct. 13. During this time, there are both in-person and virtual opportunities for the public to ask the artist questions about the piece and his artistic techniques. Additionally, community members are invited to explore a number of complementary experiences and programs for all ages at Anythink Wright Farms, including a special online storytelling program with Mora and the Mexican Cultural Center during the week of Oct. 25. Visit anythinklibraries.org for more information or to register.

“We are so grateful to bring art to our community during a time when it is needed most,” says Anythink Director Pam Sandlian Smith. “Partnering with Adams County and the Mexican Cultural Center expands our understanding of the art, the artist and Mexican culture. It is an honor to be a community partner in this endeavor.”

Xólotl: Dios Perro
A monumental alebrije sculpture by Óscar Becerra Mora

On display Oct. 13-Nov. 14, 2020

Anythink Wright Farms
5877 E. 120^th Ave.
Thornton, CO 80602
(303) 405-3200

Join Anythink, Adams County and the Mexican Cultural Center of Denver to celebrate Mexican art and culture with Xólotl: Dios Perro. This monumental and fantastical sculpture is on display at Anythink Wright Farms from Oct. 13-Nov. 14, 2020. Community members are invited to experience this one-of-a-kind work of cultural art, and contribute to a public altar to commemorate those who have passed away. Renowned artist Óscar Becerra Mora will be available to answer questions in-person at Anythink Wright Farms from 3-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13 and Wednesday, Oct. 14, as well as online at Anythink’s Facebook and YouTube accounts from 12-1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15. Additionally, community members are invited to interact and learn more during a special virtual storytelling and Q&A session with Mora during the week of Oct. 25. Visit anythinklibraries.org for more information or to register.