The Chicano Humanities and Arts Council presents

About CHAC


Chicano Humanities and Arts Council (CHAC) is Colorado’s oldest Latinx nonprofit art organization, founded in 1978. CHAC continues to be an inclusive community of all creatives who endeavor to showcase, preserve, and educate the Rocky Mountain regional arts community through educational outreach, exhibitions, special events, and artistic mentoring about the diverse Latinx, Chicana/o, and other multi-cultural communities who call Colorado home.  

2024 Mariposa Gala


Join CHAC on Saturday, November 2nd, for the first annual Mariposa Gala: A Celebration of Life, Death, and Art at the Cottonwood Lodge, 9650 Sheridan Boulevard, Westminister, CO 80031.


Come celebrate with your face painted as a Calavera and dressed as a Catrin or Catrina in celebration of Día de los Muertos. The Mariposa Gala will be a festive and delightful event celebrating CHAC’s 46th anniversary. The evening will feature dinner, entertainment, an art auction, the honoring of Lucille Ruibal Rivera’s legacy, and a recap of CHAC’s history and impact on the Denver community.




Legacy Honoree


This past year, Chicano Humanities and Arts Council lost one of our beloved comadres and hermanas, Lucille Ruibal Rivera, a decades-long CHAC member. Lucille was a passionate and generous leader who was admired and loved by many. She was an iconic role model, a dedicated mentor, a dear friend, and a courageous leader.
Lucille’s prominence as a community leader was far-reaching. In 1994, she helped launch what is now known as the Tepeyac Community Health Center. She was a former clinic administrator for Denver Health, a Northglenn Arts and Humanities Foundation board member, active in many humanitarian causes, and a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ+ community.

Lucille was a renowned photographer who served as Vice Chair and former Executive Director of CHAC. Her deep commitment to the organization was instrumental in its recent acquisition of a permanent home back in the Santa Fe Arts District. She believed deeply in the organization’s legacy and the need to pass it down to future generations. Her strength and determination helped ensure CHAC’s survival through the COVID-19 crisis.

CHAC will honor Lucille as its first legacy honoree at its first Mariposa Gala, cementing her vision for CHAC and her legacy. CHAC is committed to continuing her endeavors to create a safe space where all creatives and community members are welcomed, thrive, and affirmed.

Sponsorship Opportunities

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