02/10/2023
"The Raaz" joins Gallery Night 2023 on Friday, October 13, from 5 to 8 pm at 201 Fifth Street in the heart of Historic Valley Junction.
The Raaz will feature the stunning photographic collection of "Nuestra Familia: The Mexican-American Heritage of Historic Valley Junction," curated by local civic leader and historian Vince Valdez.
The beautiful black-and-white photos in this collection feature dozens of images, including:
"On the Corner"--a group of young men sitting on the steps of the original West Bank--the oldest brick building in Historic Valley Junction--and the location of "The Raaz." With bravado and passion, they look out at their world and their turf in the heart of their city. The nuance of this photo reflects the unity among these young men similar to the bond of brotherhood and nationality captured by Leonard Bernstein in the highly lauded "West Side Story."
"Marine and Mother"--This photo features a young man standing tall and proud, lovingly held by his mother as she is "memorizing the moment" and holds her son close. It reminds us that every moment we share with those we love is precious, no matter who--or where--we are.
"1923"--This photo, 100 years old this fall, celebrates the merging of two cultures that embraced each other and worked for the common good here in Historic Valley Junction. Young and old, men and women, children, neighbors, and family--this legacy is one that enriches our community to this day. As we celebrate the centennial of the gathering captured in this photo, we have the opportunity to treasure--and learn from--this heritage.
This photographic collection is a living document, in that we are continually searching for a connection between our families of the past and their link with our families of the present.
We welcome additional photos, stories, and memorabilia which would enhance this collection. Join Vince at "The Raaz" on Gallery Night, and celebrate the beauty of photography as it captures--and preserves--the legacy of those who have built our community.
