By Staff Writer: Jamiliere Luranc Sweeney
‘Clovis’ and ‘culture’ aren’t usually two words you see together, but that’s exactly what Christy Mendoza and the rest of the Clovis Community College Cultural Arts team are trying to change.
Beginning in 2001, the CCC Cultural Arts Series aims to bring world and regional arts performances to the underserved market that is the Clovis area. This year, the series includes acts such as a Taylor Swift impersonator experience, a Scottish bagpipe rock band, a rising star in the magician world, and a Christmas mariachi performance. The series director Christy Mendoza prides the program on being eclectic. Though the series went through some growing pains, it is successful in its mission and boasts multiple wonderful sponsors.
Mendoza believes in the program wholeheartedly. She wants everyone to have art in their life, and thinks it creates joy and connection with the rest of the world. She stated, “A lot of people going into the performances thinking they will be boring, but they come out with a different perspective.” The people behind the program strive to bring in acts that are entertaining. An example is the recent performance by the Hot Chili Pipers, which had audience members dancing in the aisles of Marshall Auditorium.
When asked who her favorite act in the series has been, Mendoza had a hard time choosing just one! She especially enjoyed the State Street Ballet, and Leela Downs.
The series sells tickets for separate shows as well as season tickets. The next show will be Artrageous on November 15th in Marshall Auditorium. Artrageous is a live display of music, dance and painting combined. Don’t miss this exciting event, or any of the shows brought to the area by the CCC Cultural Arts Series!