The Laredo Center for the Arts, in collaboration with Cliffe Killam, have announced The Quest to Dream II: A Rare Collection of the First Printed Don Quixote Illustrations, which will open September 5 and continue through October 24. This year’s exhibit builds on last year’s success with new enhancements, immersive experiences, and an expanded educational reach.
Sponsors include Texas Community Bank, IBC and Commerce Bank, PNC Bank, and Texas Commission on the Arts. Their generous support has allowed the Center for the Arts to expand the scope of the exhibit with large-scale installations designed to immerse visitors in Don Quixote’s journey.
Additional audio-visual enhancements will deepen educational engagement for guests of all ages. The Center will reach more classrooms than last year, welcoming both UISD and LISD students to explore the exhibit after completing a special Cervantes unit in their Spanish courses. Printmaking workshops and interactive activities will further connect students with the art of illustration and storytelling.
At the heart of the Center for the Arts exhibit are over 70 photographs of original illustrations printed in 1738. from Killam’s rare book collection. Displayed in the Main Gallery, these works remain the centerpiece of the exhibition. To complement them, the Community Gallery will showcase a juried collection of local artists’ interpretations of Don Quixote, offering modern reflections on the timeless themes of idealism, reality, courage, and the pursuit of dreams.
“This exhibit is meant to inspire curiosity and challenge us to reflect on the human experience. I am proud to have collaborated with the Laredo Center for the Arts to share this collection in a way that empowers students and enriches our community with cultural experiences and knowledge,” Killam said.
He continued, “This project is about inspiring our community to dream and to see the power of imagination. Don Quixote challenges us to balance ideals and reality, and it’s my hope that this exhibition gives students and Laredoans a meaningful connection to this great work. I hope it sparks them to be curious and to maybe grab a good book, watch a new film, or begin writing in a journal – to explore ways to express their creativity.”
Elizabeth Velasquez, Dean of English and Spanish Language for LISD, noted, “We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Killam for making this opportunity possible for our students. The chance to walk through an exhibit of this caliber, enriched with workshops and interactive experiences, is something they will carry with them for a lifetime. Thank you to our Spanish teachers for embracing this program, for teaching the special unit so beautifully, and for always striving to give our students the very best opportunities. I encourage other districts and classrooms to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse students in art, language, and history in such a powerful and meaningful way.”
Center for the Arts board member Alejandra Urrabazo commented, “What makes this exhibit so meaningful is how it connects art, history, and literature directly to our students and community. Bringing this level of educational and cultural opportunity to Laredo is an investment in our youth and in the enrichment of our community as a whole.”
She continued, “The Laredo Center for the Arts invites the public to experience The Quest to Dream II and be transported into the world of Cervantes’ Don Quixote. The exhibit promises to inspire those who love art, history, literature, and culture while offering students and visitors alike a chance to explore one of the world’s most influential novels in fresh and interactive ways.”
Admission is free, however, donations are encouraged to support future educational and cultural programming.
The Laredo Center for the Arts is at 500 San Agustin.
(The Laredo Center for the Arts is dedicated to fostering a vibrant arts community in Laredo and the surrounding region. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events, the Center connects people of all ages with art and ideas that enrich and inspire.)
