Join us for an evening of dialogue and reflection as part of the XICANA! San Diego public program series. This Critical Plática & Ekphrastic Poetry Reading will be led by scholar and educator Dr. Martha Rivas and will feature a vibrant conversation with curator Dulce Stein and exhibiting artists Elidé Sanchez and Patricia Cruz. Together, they will explore the themes of XICANA! San Diego through critical discourse and poetic response.

The event will begin with a plática (a community-centered dialogue) that offers insight into the curatorial vision, artistic process, and cultural contexts behind the work in the exhibition. The conversation will be followed by a live ekphrastic poetry reading—poems inspired by the artworks on view—highlighting how language and visual art intersect to deepen collective narratives.

This program is free. Seating is limited.

About the Speakers

Dr. Martha Rivas is a Chicana scholar, poet, and educator whose research and creative practice center decolonial methodologies, cultural memory, and women of color feminisms. She is known for her dynamic facilitation of critical platícas that bridge scholarship, activism, and creative expression.

Dulce Stein is the curator of XICANA! San Diego and a longtime advocate for Latinx and Chicanx artists. A curator, artist, and community organizer, Stein brings over 20 years of experience fostering access to the arts in Southern California.

Elidé Sanchez is a painter and muralist. Sanchez’s art explores layered identities, migration, and spirituality.

Patricia Cruz is an artist and community organizer whose work reflects her Xicana heritage and commitment to community storytelling. Her practice is grounded in honoring her roots and amplifying underrepresented voices.

Join sound healer and movement practitioner Noriko Whitfield for an immersive session exploring the connection between body, mind, and art. Through guided sound meditation and gentle movement, participants will engage in practices that support emotional balance, nervous system regulation, and self-awareness.

With over 16 years of experience in sound therapy and energy healing, Whitfield creates a calming environment that invites reflection and inner stillness. This session is open to all levels. No prior experience is needed. 

Please dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat. A pillow and sweater or blanket are also recommended.

For tickets, visit artcenter.org.

Air-Dry Clay Handbuilding Workshop with Ellie Fonseca

Find your flow through touch and texture in this calming, hands-on workshop. No experience necessary—just bring your curiosity. Materials provided.

About the Instructor

With a passion for ceramics and hands-on creativity, Ellie Fonseca has been guiding students through the art of clay in Orange County and now San Diego. Specializing in hand-building, she brings dedicated experience from teaching workshops for local community and non-profit organizations. Her approach emphasizes mindfulness, sensory awareness, and artistic exploration, ensuring that every participant feels connected to the craft and empowered to create. Through engaging demonstrations and personalized guidance, Ellie Fonseca enjoys fostering a welcoming environment where creativity flourishes and clay transforms into art.