August 6, 2008

THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

Nationally known Art Collector Joe A. Diaz will Curate Go Red For Women Art Exhibit Sponsored by Flint Hills Resources at the Art Museum of South Texas

South Texas native Joe A. Diaz has amassed one of the largest private contemporary art collections created by Southwest artists with Mexican cultural roots

(CORPUS CHRISTI, July 21, 2008) – Joe A. Diaz, owner of one of the largest art collections in the nation, will curate a Go Red for Women Art Exhibit to benefit the American Heart Association Go Red For Women movement. Diaz is partnering with the Art Museum of South Texas and Flint Hills Resources. The exhibit will be showcased at the Art Museum of South Texas in January 2009. Artists are encouraged to participate and submit artwork by October 10, 2008. All media will be accepted.

In 2003, Diaz’s collection was featured at the Art Museum of South Texas, and since then the exhibit has traveled to San Jose Museum of Art, National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art in Indiana, the Ellen Noel Museum of Art in Odessa, Victoria Museum of Art and several of his pieces are on display at museums across the country.  Curators continue to call him to use selections from his collection for exhibits around the country.  Diaz’s collection includes other major art giants such as Michael Tracy, Peter Saul, the Art Guys, Tracy Moffitt and Luis Jimenez, to name a few.  In addition to known artist, Diaz strategically collects work by unknown and undiscovered artists.

Actor Cheech Marin, philanthropist Gil Cardenas and businessman Joe A. Diaz have become the “Big Three” in the modern world of Latinos who collect work by Latinos, according to an article published by award-winning journalist Dan Mayfield in the Harvard Journal of Hispanic Policy (Volume 18 • 2005–2006).

“Having Joe curate the Go Red For Women art exhibit will help bring a creative awareness of heart disease and stroke to South Texas. The call for art entries will also offer a unique opportunity for students, mid-career artists and professional artists to showcase their work, Joe will help us discover new talent while complimenting and acknowledging artists that have been working in this field for years,” states Marcy Rodriguez, American Heart Association Senior Corporate Market Director and a local artist.  “The visual component will be a great way to communicate our strong message that heart disease is the No. 1 killer and why it is so important to reduce your risk factors, know the warning signs, and know how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur.”

"One in three women dies from cardiovascular disease, so it's critical that we help women and families learn about the risk factors and how to take better care of their hearts" said Dr. Isabel Menendez, President of the Board of the American Heart Association.  "The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement empowers women to take action with their health and this goal is consistent with Flint Hills Resources commitment to the health of our community and that of cardiovascular care," states Rich Tuttle of Flint Hills Resources.

"With Flint Hills Resources’ partnership and contribution, we can educate people and potentially save more lives through the Go Red For Women movement," said Yolanda Olivarez, American Heart Association chairwoman of the board. "Flint Hills Resources is committed to this cause, and we are so thrilled to have them return to grow the movement."

The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement helps millions of women understand that while heart disease is their No. 1 killer, it is largely preventable and they can take steps to lower their risk.  As part of the movement, women learn how to love their hearts - they receive lifesaving information about preventing heart disease and managing risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, weight and cholesterol. 

“This project is a wonderful way to raise awareness about heart health for women by bringing together important segments of our community - the Art Museum of South Texas, area artists, Flint Hills Resources, and our local chapter of the American Heart Association.  It’s a terrific collaboration”, said Joe Schenk, Director Art Museum of South Texas. The Go Red for Women art exhibit will open with a reception on January 21, 2009.  Selected artwork will also be featured in the American Heart Association’s 2009 Go Red For Women calendar. 

If you’re interested in taking part in the Go Red For Women activities, attending the Go Red For Women events, or sponsoring the movement please call the American Heart Association at 361.692.1414. To download an application visit: www.americanheart.org/grfwartcontest

The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is: "Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke."