The Seeds of Dreams
October 6 – November 26, 2023
Old Masonic Hall
136 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO
The Seeds of Dreams is a tribute to the vibrant Latine communities of Summit County, Colorado, shining a spotlight on the unwavering dedication and resilience of Latine workers quietly working behind the scenes to establish roots and harvest dreams. Through a series of portraits, this exhibition pays homage to individuals who contribute to the fabric of society, toiling in the food industry, maintenance, and nonprofit sectors, tirelessly advocating for workers’ rights, and striving for a just, equitable, and inclusive world.
Within these artworks, Stephanie Mercado explores acts of care and the relentless pursuit of aspirations within a land that brims with choices, opportunities, and the promise of abundance. As a Fall 2022 artist-in-residence with Breck Create, Mercado immersed herself in the local environment. In The Seeds of Dreams, Mercado draws inspiration from the majestic natural landscapes, heartfelt interactions with community members, and the glossy real-estate magazines that line Main Street. Her exhibition takes viewers on a captivating exploration of the ecosystem of Summit County and celebrates the working-class communities that sustain its thriving economy.
Labor, and the fusion of time-honored traditions with innovative approaches, are central to Mercado’s artistic expression. She weaves patterns from textiles rooted in Indigenous arts that reference history, Indigenous peoples, the complexity of identity, and manual labor throughout the exhibition’s imagery. Employing a diverse range of mediums such as printmaking, painting, and illustration, she crafts a visually captivating narrative steeped in social practice and social justice. Through her artworks, Mercado invites viewers to contemplate the multifaceted layers of human experience, urging people to recognize the inherent value and dignity of all individuals who contribute to the tapestries of our society.
Mountain Dreamers and Breck Create collaborated on inviting select participants from the local workforce for this exhibition. Mountain Dreamers is a Summit County nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the success of immigrants and their allies in Colorado. Following the exhibition’s run at Old Masonic Hall, several of the portraits will travel to additional community venues in Summit County, including the Dillon Food Bank and, finally, Mountain Dreamers headquarters in Frisco.
About Breck Create
