by Gary Scharrer
reprinted from EL Paso Times
"Manuel Acosta’s art shows were open to the public. That’s what this will be—a public event for everyone to celebrate the life and artwork of one of El Paso’s greatest artists," said Norma Chavez, who is coordinating the event between the Governor’s office and multiple El Paso organizations.
The Governor challenged El Paso to help plan an event after she read a newspaper column last fall for criticizing her for not making good on a campaign promise to exhibit Acosta’s work in the Capitol.
Acosta, 68, was murdered nearly one year before Richard’s 1990 election, and none of Acosta’s friends followed up on the idea, she said.
But the governor is enthused now that a committee has been formed to organize the Acosta exhibit, deputy press secretary Chuck McDonald said.
"I think it’s all going to work out just great, and the governor is real excited about it," he said. "It will be good statewide exposure for Manny Acosta’s art."
An exact date for the event hasn’t been decided but it will happen late in February or early March 1993, McDonald said.
Chavez, co-owner of NCN Texaco, started work on the Acosta tribute after reading about the governor’s interest. Chavez is active in Arts Leadership of the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce.