MURAL FUNDRAISER for La Malinche Cafe

Pilsen Arts & Community House (PACH) is helping to raise funds for a large-scale mural project for local business, La Malinche Coffee & Tea House, located on 2110 S. Halsted St, Chicago. We are asking support from the community, other business owners, and individuals with capacity to help fund this project to be completed before the end of September, 2022.

La Malinche Coffee & Tea House has a very special story in that the dream of its original founder, Marlene Torres has continued to be carried out through its newest owners, Yvette Valdez & Hector Aguirre who immigrated to Chicago from Mexico.

Founded in 2021 by Marlene Torres and her husband Tato Almaraz. Marlene was a "Dreamer" (DACA recipient) who at the time was a Cancer survivor. Her dream was to open her very own cafe, but after just 2 weeks of achieving that goal, the cancer returned for the second time which put all her family’s efforts and resources on taking care of her, leaving the café’s future uncertain.

Just two weeks before closing the business, due to not finding a buyer, Yvette Valdez and Héctor Aguirre showed up in La Malinche with intentions of offering a product they sell to coffee shops, but ultimately taking over the business in August of 2021.

It was truly a blessing for both parts in which, Marlene’s family could see the café continue to stay open, and now giving Yvette and Hector the opportunity to create a new business in Chicago. They had already owned a cafe in Mexico City but decided to explore the American dream of a new business and life in Chicago in 2016. They were ready and capable of carrying out not only Marlene’s dream but continue to carry out theirs as well.

Sadly, in January of 2022 Marlene lost the battle against cancer. But her dream and heritage remain with a lot of effort and hope. By keeping the business name, keeping the stories alive, such as those of La Malinche, Marlene's and Yvette and Hector's, the strength of our history and culture will continue to live on.

Yvette and Hector decided to keep the name, “La Malinche” with the intent of honoring a misunderstood woman by Mexican history. She is blamed for the tragedy of Mexica people for being conquered by the Spanish in the XV century, but she was a very intelligent slave, who, coming from a royal family, knew several indigenous languages (that's why Hernan Cortés chose her between several other slaves).

She was the bridge between two cultures, two worlds. She is also known as the Mother of Mestizos.

The large mural is just the first step in creating an outdoor community space that Yvette and Hector have been envisioning for some time now. They want to create a space of gathering for all to be welcome. A space where everyone can share their culture, experiences, friendship, and contribute to a happy, healthy, and flourishing coexistence of the community with the extra excuse of a coffee or a treat.

The extra special sprinkle about this mural is the young Colombian artist, “Alucina” who they have commissioned to design and complete the work. PACH met Alucina last summer while in Chicago. And when having conversations with Yvette and Hector, quickly referred her as someone who could capture the essence of this unique business’s vision of a dedicated mural to Marlene and the café’s origin and now continued vision. Her talent and skill are beautiful and exceptional! Having her first mural in Chicago, in Pilsen specifically is a treat for us all.

Below is a list of how funds from this campaign will support the overall costs to complete a mural project of this scale. Through collaboration with PACH and La Malinche, other costs have been covered, in that all have contributed a shared effort in helping this project come to fruition.

La Malinche Contribution:

Artist Round Trip Travel – Columbia/Chicago

Wall Prep in collaboration with building owner

PACH Contribution:

Housing / Meals

Travel

Scaffolding

GoFundMe Community Fundraiser Contribution:

Paint & Materials

Scissor Lift

Artist Fee

PILSEN ARTS & COMMUNITY HOUSE is a nonprofit organization offering space and resources through exhibitions, art instruction and mentorship. We believe in fostering positive relationships with artists and community members to ensure continued growth and service in Pilsen while providing creative opportunities for all.

Pilsen Arts & Community House is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible. (85-0596558)

Questions? Please contact: Teresa Magaña / Executive Director of PACH