Important Update:

UCO COVID-19 protocols remain in place for the spring 2021 semester. Masks are required on campus when around others. Students, faculty and staff directly exposed to or test positive for COVID-19 should fill out UCO's COVID-19 Self-Reporting form. To learn more about current operations, view the university's coronavirus webpage. View a list of UCO's virtual services.

Melton Gallery

Currently in Melton Gallery

"Ada Trillo: La Caravana Del Diablo"

Exhibition on view: Jan. 14–March 4, 2021

View the catalog for this exhibition.

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Melton Gallery will host socially distanced events for “Ada Trillo: La Caravana Del Diablo,” a solo art exhibition for artist Ada Trillo featuring her photo documentary series of individuals in the migrant caravans traveling through Central America to the Mexico-United States border.

From 2017 to 2019, Philadelphia-based photographer Trillo returned to her hometown of Ciudad Juárez, Mexico to document the struggles of asylum seekers directly affected by President Donald Trump’s Remain in Mexico policy. In January of 2020, she traveled with a massive caravan for eight days from Honduras through Guatemala and into Mexico, where they were met by the recently established Guardia Nacional composed of former federal, military and naval police.

“Trillo’s work honors the humanity of each person represented and creates space for us to shift focus from viewing asylum seekers as an anonymous mass to viewing them as individuals. Each with their own stories to tell,” said Veronica Cianfrano, Melton Gallery curator.

In addition to Trillo’s photographs, “La Caravana Del Diablo” will feature an interactive installation of notes and videos from asylum seekers.

“While the media often covers what is happening at the border, they all too often overlook the individual trials, struggles, and humanity of those seeking to escape violence in pursuit of a better life,” Trillo said. “It’s critical to unveil individual journeys and explore the reasons why people were forced to leave their home.”

Events

Events that are open to the public will be viewable in person and via Instagram Livestream @ucomeltongallery. Due to COVID-19 protocol, visitors are encouraged to RSVP to events by emailing meltongallery@uco.edu.

Opening Reception

Jan. 14, 2021, 5-7:30 p.m.
The reception will include a brief gallery talk with Ada Trillo followed by a Q&A with the audience. Participants can reserve their seat by emailing meltongallery@uco.edu or participate via livestream on Instagram, @ucomeltongallery. Free and open to the public.

Panel Discussion

Jan. 15, 2021, 5-7:30 p.m.
Each panelist in this discussion will help visitors gain a richer understanding of Trillo’s photographs by sharing their distinct expertise and experiences, providing context for the many complex and nuanced elements present in the exhibition. Participants can reserve their seat by emailing meltongallery@uco.edu or participate via livestream on Instagram, @ucomeltongallery. Free and open to the public.

Lunch and Learn Tuesdays

Jan. 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 2021, Noon-1 p.m.
Educational workshops on Hereditary, Racial, and Historical Trauma with the UCO Counseling Center. Open to UCO Students, Faculty, and Staff. Participants can reserve their seats by emailing meltongallery@uco.edu. Free admission.

Dreamer Ally Training

Feb. 2, 2021, 10-11:30 a.m.
The Dreamer Ally Training is designed to provide UCO faculty and staff with knowledge of federal and state law policies that affect Dreamer students, as well as to learn about the experiences and challenges Dreamers face. The training also highlights resources available for Dreamer students at UCO and in our community. The two-hour training is comprised of four modules, incorporating reflection and interaction throughout. UCO faculty and staff can sign up to attend this training session via this RSVP link: https://uco.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2fNhdJTVE6jyHL7

Trauma Recovery Series

Feb. 4, 11 and 25, 4- 5 p.m.

Discussions about healing from trauma. Open to UCO Students, Faculty, and Staff. Participants can reserve their seats by emailing meltongallery@uco.edu. Free admission.

RSVP Here: https://uco.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9uU0Z0UjFVOkqGN

Closing Reception

March 4, 2021, 5-7:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public. Participants can RSVP by emailing meltongallery@uco.edu.

Select programming is made possible in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Oklahoma and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Select programming is made possible in part by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition.