California State University East Bay

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California State University East Bay

The Pioneer

California State University East Bay

The Pioneer

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Local Business Showcases Local Latino Art

Among the pieces available in the store are these
lucha libre wrestler masks.

Amid the restaurants, shops and bars that populate the heart of Hayward is Tu Tienda Azteca, a store dedicated to local Mexican art that has managed to stay afloat despite the current economy and construction work in progress around the building.

Tu Tienda Azteca opened its doors to the public in July 2007 and has successfully managed to sell colorful and original artwork.

The art sold in this store is focused on Mexican culture as well as in the tradition of the Day of the Dead.

Throughout the store, one can find figures made of paper maché or clay representing various regions of Mexico.

Other types of crafts include hand-woven rugs and blouses made ​​in Oaxaca.

Oscar Cisneros, one of the owners of Tu Tienda Azteca said “it is so important to have a store like this in this community, because through this store people learn more about Mexican culture.”

The main objective of this store is not only to sell art but to serve as a gallery to promote local artists.

Carlos Villez who is originally from Michoacan, Mexico, is one of the local artists whose artwork is on display in the store.

“They have closed many shops and galleries due to the economy that we are living, and artists like me need the promotion and support of people who like art,” said Villez.

Having stores like this in Hayward helps to keep a vibrant economy and also helps keep the Mexican culture alive in Hayward.

According to the census of 2010, there are 58,730 Latinos residing in Hayward.

Although the number of Latinos — and especially Mexicans — in Hayward is very high, not many stores in Hayward are dedicated to Mexican culture.

A local artist displaying his work which is
available at Tu Tienda Azteca.

Sean Brooks, who is the manager of economic development for the City of Hayward, said it has been challenging to attract businesses to the city.

“We are trying to increase consumer visits to the city of Hayward through events such as street parties, movie nights, visits to restaurants, and other festivals,” said Brooks.

“We are also helping new business owners with the process of opening their business in Hayward making it easier and faster,” elaborated Brooks.

The current construction in downtown Hayward has affected local businesses such as Tu Tienda Azteca and has blocked many of the sidewalks in downtown Hayward, making it difficult to access for people walking through these areas.

“It is true that the actual construction has affected the business a bit but we are still going,” said Cisneros.

According to project director of Route 238 Kevin Briggs, construction on Foothill Street will be completed in spring 2013, and access to these stores will be easier for the whole population.
For business owners and artists that are already located in Hayward, keeping their business and their culture is necessary.

“It’s very important that new generations know and appreciate their roots and origin,” said Villez. “In the Bay Area there are not enough galleries to promote art, but hopefully we will have more spaces in the future.”

Uriel Nava, who has been a customer for many years of Tu Tienda Azteca mentioned “the merchandise they sell is authentic handicrafts of the Mexican culture and Mexican traditions.”

“Although the store is small, I feel connected to my roots when I come and to me is very important to have a store in the city because it reminded us of our roots which are reflected in Art,” Nava said.

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Local Business Showcases Local Latino Art