In recognition of the National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sac State is holding the Royal Chicano Air Force (RCAF) exhibit in the Robert Else Gallery on campus and is available to all students.

Artists such as Jose Montoya, Esteban Villa, Juanishi Orosco, Ricardo Favela, Louie the Foot, Stan Padilla, Sterling Phillips and Xico Gonzales helped cover the walls of the gallery with their astonishing pieces of art.

While standing in the midst of over 30 paintings and sculptures, Juanishi Orosco explained the purpose of the exhibition and why it important be recognized.

“In the 60?s and 70?s there was little to no emphasis on Chicano art,” said Orosco. “We needed to create a foundation and a voice for Chicano art to foster.”

The artwork presented in the gallery should be viewed as a representation of Chicano history, as well as their culture. “Art is an interpretation of being Chicano and is an understanding of the expressions of our culture,” Orosco said.

Pre-Columbian, abstract, realism and funk art are some of the categories that the exhibits steam from in order for the artist to reach all realms of the Chicano culture.

“One of the main goals of the Royal Chicano Air Force exhibit is to bring pride to the Chicano culture to those who fail to have it,” Orosco said. “Another is helping, teaching, and sharing our culture with everyone.”

Andrea Yaya, assistant of Juanishi Orosco, gave a personal view of the importance of the galleys existence. “This is a resistance to the meltdown of our cultures identity,” Yaya said while pointing to one of the paintings. “It teaches identity.”

Yaya, being an artist of performing arts, explains “Arts, music, poetry is important because it is universal. It brings us together as a people.”

RCAF art enlightens and enriches the Chicano culture through its powerful message sent to people about their history in America.

“Art like this has kept people like Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta alive,” said Yaya. “We can?t forget about those who helped form the movement.”

When asked the effect the paintings had on her, Yaya put in plain words, “I can tell in the colors, patterns, and symbols that the paintings are intercultural and have close indigenous ties from our ancestors.”

The RCAF are more than just painters, they are nationally known poets, musicians and activists. They play a big role in Chicano history because of their pictures, and meaningful art collections.

According to Juanishi Orosco the creation of the gallery helped them in more ways than one.

“This was a way to express ourselves the way we wanted to, without the negation and suppression.”For those who are interested in participating in the RCAF exhibit are more than welcomed to come and educate themselves of the authentic Chicano culture.

“Anybody who comes should leave with the understanding that this is the truth. Outspoken, outright truth,” said Yaya. “Let?s teach people about this.”

The CSUS Robert Else Gallery will be opened from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.