“We will have expositions, movie shows and musical concerts. These kinds of things will be coming here during this year and in 2010,” said Oscar de la Torre, the Mexican consul in Douglas.

He said the Visitor Center was chosen as the location for the event because it is the site of convergence for everybody who visits Douglas.

“It is a proper place to show this type of work, and, of course, the city of Douglas is working together with us in this event,” de la Torre added.

Ginny Jordan, tourism coordinator for the city, said she hopes that Ahuatzi’s paintings will expose people to the Mexican culture that ties Douglas and Agua Prieta, Sonora.

“Art connects people. Art brings people together. People understand art because you can visually see it and you can get excited with it,” she said. “Then you start to understand, and the barriers and the prejudices that you might have kind of go away because of art.”

The Visitor Center is located at 345 16th St. in Douglas. Admission to the art exhibit is free. For information, call 417-7354.