The Quest to Dream II: A Rare Collection of the First Printed Don Quixote Illustrations, will remain on exhibit at the Laredo Center for the Arts through October 24.
The installation, which offers immersive educational components, is presented by Cliffe Killam in collaboration with the Center for the Arts.
The exhibit’s expanded educational outreach, which is underway, is open to the students of Laredo Independent School District, United Independent School District, United Day School, and St. Augustine School.
“Introducing the world of Miguel Cervantes and Don Quixote to students brings so much joy for me, as they will get to experience literature and art as well as directly participate in the creation of their own print making. I hope that this experience encourages young writers and artists to pursue their quest to dream,” Killam said, also noting that local artists were extended an open invitation to share their Don Quixote-inspired art work. “I was so blown away by the incredible talent in Laredo. I am deeply inspired by how art brings people together, and creates connection and community,” he said of the 28 works of art included in the installation.
According to Killam, the exhibit’s goal has been to inspire curiosity, discovery, and reflection on the human experience.
At the core of the Center for the Arts exhibit are over 70 photographs of original Don Quixote illustrations first printed in 1738. A volume in Killam’s rare book collection was the resource for the illustrations. Displayed in the Main Gallery, these works remain the centerpiece of the exhibition. To complement them, the Community Gallery showcased a juried collection of local artists’ interpretations of Don Quixote, offering modern reflections on the timeless themes of idealism, reality, courage, and the pursuit of dreams.
This, the newest iteration of Dare to Dream, includes new audio-visual elements that enrich the experience, including a newly developed app and QR code for a virtual tour to draw audiences of all ages into the story’s adventure and enduring lessons. A video installation by designer Robert Novido, enhances the atmosphere with moving windmills and a knight.
Laredo artist Alexander Barron created the mural behind the podium. Alan Holmgreen of Casa Verde Construction crafted the windmill in the exhibit.
Sponsors for Dare to Dream II include Texas Community Bank, IBC and Commerce Bank, PNC Bank, and Texas Commission on the Arts. Their support has allowed the Center for the Arts to expand the scope of the exhibit with large-scale installations designed to immerse visitors in Don Quixote’s journey.
Elizabeth Velasquez, Dean of English and Spanish Language for LISD, noted, “We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Killam for making this opportunity possible for our students. The chance to walk through an exhibit of this caliber, enriched with workshops and interactive experiences, is something they will carry with them for a lifetime.”
Center for the Arts board member Alejandra Urrabazo Martinez commented, “What makes this exhibit so meaningful is how it connects art, history, and literature directly to our students and community. Bringing this level of educational and cultural opportunity to Laredo is an investment in our youth and in the enrichment of our community as a whole.”
Admission is free, however, donations are encouraged to support future educational and cultural programming.
The Laredo Center for the Arts is at 500 San Agustin.
(The Laredo Center for the Arts is dedicated to fostering a vibrant arts community in Laredo and the surrounding region.)
