Muralist Juan Chawuk unveils 'Frida 2020' installation in advance of Frida Kahlo exhibit at College of DuPage

Mayan artist Juan Chawuk puts the finishing touches on the 3-D "Frida 2020" at the McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn. Courtesy of Press Photography Network/Special to College of DuPage

The 3-D "Frida 2020," created by Mayan artist Juan Chawuk, is on display at the McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn in anticipation of the MAC's upcoming Frida Kahlo exhibit opening in June 2020. Courtesy of Press Photography Network/Special to College of DuPage

Acclaimed Mayan artist Juan Chawuk recently unveiled 3-D "Frida 2020" letters to be permanently displayed at the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage in anticipation of the MAC's upcoming Frida Kahlo exhibition opening in June 2020.

The MAC, in partnership with the National Museum of Mexican Art and the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage, welcomed Chawuk the week of Aug. 5 as he recreated some of Frida's most iconic works as part of the display.

The final creation was unveiled during an Aug. 9 reception.

"Frida Kahlo 2020" will feature an array of sketches and paintings spanning the career of Kahlo on loan from the Museo Dolores Olmedo. Best known for self-portraits highlighting themes of identity, politics, sexuality and death, Kahlo channeled her childhood and personal struggles into her art and became an icon of feminism, activism and Mexican heritage.

The last area showing of Kahlo's works was in 1978 at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art in an exhibit that included pieces from the Museo Dolores Olmedo. The new immersive Frida Kahlo exhibit, featuring a more diverse collection of works, will transform the Cleve Carney Museum of Art, as well as the McAninch Arts Center Lobby and Belushi Performance Hall spaces. This will allow guests to experience more fully Kahlo and her continued worldwide influence.

Guests are invited to view Chawuk's work at the MAC's upcoming Frida Fest.

The day-long outdoor celebration begins at noon Sunday, Sept. 8, on the Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd. It will feature a variety of activities and featured entertainment in anticipation of the Frida Kahlo 2020 exhibition. The event also marks the first opportunity to purchase untimed entry tickets for the upcoming exhibition.

Enjoy live music, live visual art, live dance, authentic Mexican food vendors and more in the kickoff to the yearlong celebration leading up to the Frida Kahlo 2020 exhibit coming to the Cleve Carney Art Gallery in summer of 2020. The celebration will be outdoors from noon to 9 p.m. featuring entertainment by Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl, Mariachi Monumental de México and headliner Artrageous! Admission is free.

Read more about Frida Fest at www.atthemac.org/events/frida-fest/.