On Friday, October 25 the history exhibit “Beyond Fronteras” was unveiled at the historic 1904 Courthouse on 21 E. Court Street in Nogales, AZ. This exhibit opening was a celebration of the rich history of Santa Cruz County and showcased the many contributions by educators, artists, musicians, chefs, historians, and most importantly, local students.
The project was written in to a grant application prepared by Alfredo I. Velásquez and the Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office grants team in the spring of 2022. The funding source was ESSER III- the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund the Arizona Department of Education received through the American Rescue Plan. Monies were to be used to support educational communities most impacted by COVID-19. The County School Superintendent’s Office was awarded $5 million dollars to carry out and expand many school and community programs, one of which was a history exhibit.
The exhibit was developed and planned by staff in the School Superintendent’s Office, and later curated by Dr. Carlos Parra, Nogales native and assistant professor of history at the University of Arizona and Juan Miguel Garcia, Assistant Coordinator of History and Humanities for the ESSER III Invest in our Youth Project. Together, they facilitated poetry workshops, organized archaeological digs, contracted U of A students to do research and write articles, and coordinated students to submit works of art and writing to “Mi Historia, Mi Comunidad.” This collection was the heart of the exhibit as it depicted how our community’s youth felt about growing up in a border community.
Beyond Fronteras offers a unique, immersive, and communal experience. It is an exploration of Santa Cruz County’s past, present, and future. Visitors are able to celebrate the diverse culture, traditions, and stories that have shaped our community over the years.
From the moment you step into the exhibit, you are transported to a world where art and culture come together. Spanning across two showrooms and a hallway, visitors are treated to a beautiful display as they explore the intricate tapestry of our region’s past and present. With interactive displays, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking installations, Beyond Fronteras offers guests the opportunity to explore and engage with artwork in a unique and captivating way.
Featured throughout the exhibit are powerful paintings depicting the battle of ambos Nogales and the Hohokam tribe painted by local artist and teacher at Rio Rico High School Miguel Grijalva. Additionally, resident artist and former bullfighter, Armando Moreno, contributed stunning paintings that are sure to captivate all who visit.
Luke Brannen, history teacher at NHS, contributed to the exhibit in the form a mural. Brannen has been creating history themed murals for the last few years with his students, but this is the first time one of them is featured in a permanent exhibition.
“This was a valuable opportunity for our IB students to present their work to the community, celebrating the shared history of Ambos Nogales,” said Brannen. “As part of their Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) project, they aimed to give back to the community and illustrate the historical connection that unites us, highlighting how history remains deeply relevant to our cross-border identity.”
One of the most moving aspects of the exhibit was the inclusion of poems and reflections about life on the border by students of all ages. Poet Myrlin Hepworth, artist in residence, worked with students from Pierson High School to write poetry about what growing up in Santa Cruz County meant for them and their family. The heartfelt words and powerful insights added a deeper layer of meaning to the artwork on display, creating a truly impactful and thought-provoking experience for all who visited.
“This was a beautiful event that brought people together,” said Pierson student America Salazar who recited a poem she wrote about her experience living in a border town. “I wrote this poem to highlight that even though Nogales can be problematic, it’s also a beautiful place full of culture.”
Beyond Fronteras also features a series of three documentaries filmed by local artist and filmmaker Kevin Martinez. Rio Rico High School Film and T.V. class with instructor, Andrew Bickerton, joined filmmakers and mentors from the Southern Arizona Film Society, Francisco Landin and Oscar Coronado, to create a short documentary about the history of the Nogal tree. These films shine a spotlight on community programs and highlight the incredible work being done in schools. This addition to the exhibit serves as a testament to the power of art in transforming lives.
The response to the exhibit on opening night was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising the creativity, talent, and passion on display. The NHS Mariachi welcomed guests as they arrived on the steps of the historic courthouse and NHS Culinary students prepared food for the celebration. The entertainment continued through the event with Lourdes Catholic School student, Luisroberto Crespo, who played the piano, and NHS senior, Dorian Moore, who played an acoustic set with his original songs.
“The experience was amazing,” Miguel Grijalva said. “The way that the public was welcomed by the mariachis and the smell of the delicious food- the setting and culture was elegant and inspired talent.”
To book a field trip for your school or a tour for your organization, please call Maya Donnelly at 520-375-7947 or email mdonnelly@santacruzcountyaz.gov. The exhibit is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays by appointment.
For more information and to use curriculum and videos in your classroom, visit our website @ Beyondfronteras.org.