The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) at Anythink Fall Artist Showcase continues this October with documentary photographer Juan Fuentes. His community photography exhibition, “Thirty-Six Miles East,” opens on Saturday, Oct. 23 at 2 pm at Anythink Bennett in Bennett, Colo. For the past month, Fuentes has met with and photographed members of the immigrant and Spanish-speaking communities in the area. These images, in addition to those taken by community members, will make up the large-scale collage to be installed at the library. The exhibition focuses on the daily lives of individuals and families living on the Eastern Plains, an area experiencing rapid population growth and new development. During the unveiling, attendees are invited to view powerful photography, and connect with the artist and community contributors.

Born in Chihuahua, Mexico, Fuentes is a Denver-based documentary photographer who uses the medium to tell stories and capture everyday life in contemporary America, highlighting the Latinx and Chicano experience. He has exhibited his work in galleries and institutions across Denver, along with the photography collective Theyshootn. Fuentes is the second artist to be featured as part of the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art at Anythink Fall Artist Showcase, which includes textile artist Alejandra Abad at Anythink Wright Farms in September and muralist Armando Silva at Anythink Huron Street in November. Fuentes’ residency is made possible by the Anythink Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that raises private funds to support special programs and projects for the library.

At Anythink Bennett, Fuentes inspired residents to learn more about photography and create art through the lens of personal experience and individual backgrounds during all-ages workshops. As part of these workshops, community members used disposable film cameras to document their daily experiences and interactions. Those photos, personally developed by Fuentes, are included in the final exhibition of “Thirty-Six Miles East.”

“This project exemplifies what Anythink hopes to inspire through partnerships like this with BMoCA – community-building through art,” says Stacie Ledden, director of strategic partnerships at Anythink. “We’re grateful to work with talented creators like Juan Fuentes to provide opportunities for storytelling, discussion and connection.”

The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art at Anythink Fall Artist Showcase is made possible by support from BMoCA, the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District and the Anythink Foundation. More information on upcoming Fall Artist Showcase workshops and exhibitions is available at anythinklibraries.org/fallartistshowcase.

- Event -

“Thirty-Six Miles East” Exhibition Unveiling with Juan Fuentes

Saturday, Oct. 23, 2-3:30 pm

Anythink Bennett, 495 7^th St., Bennett, CO 80102

Explore everyday life on the Eastern Plains through the lens of community members and documentary photographer Juan Fuentes, whose work focuses on the lives of immigrant and Spanish-speaking communities. “Thirty-Six Miles East” is a large-scale collage that highlights the experiences of individuals and families in an area of rapid population growth and new development. Connect with the artist and community contributors, and enjoy light refreshments during this exhibition unveiling. Attendees will receive a copy of Fuentes’ photography book, “We Trust Our Wings,” while supplies last. This project is made possible by support from the Anythink Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that raises private funds for special projects and programs at the library. Attendees are invited to connect with this community art project, meet the artist and enjoy light refreshments during this opening reception. Free and open to all.

“Thirty-Six Miles East” is part of the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) at Anythink Fall Artist Showcase, a collaborative project celebrating community art across Adams County. Through workshops, artist residencies and exhibitions, residents of all ages have the opportunity to explore their curiosity and celebrate creativity. The showcase continues with muralist and performer Armando Silva at Anythink Huron Street in Thornton, Colo., in November.