Xico Artists Featured in "Crossing the Line"

Xico artists at the New Times office in Phoenix. From left: Irma Sanchez, Village Voice Media Executive Editor Michael Lacey, El Podrido and Joe Ray.

Xico artists at the New Times office in Phoenix. From left, Reggie Casillas, Frank Ybarra, Martin Moreno, Village Voice Media Executive Editor Michael Lacey, Jose Benavides, Ruben Galicia, Cynthia Flores, Zarco Guerrero, Marco Albarran, Annette Sexton-Ruiz and Mary Ann Rodriguez-Veatch.

Mary Ann Rodriguez-Veatch, "The Lost Nino." Mary Ann Rodriguez-Veatch's art draws from her Mexican culture and the religious images she saw while growing up in Phoenix. Says Rodriguez-Veatch: "Why am I questioned or told to go back to Mexico because I am "brown?' I was born here! I am fifth generation on my mother's side, and third generation on my father's side. I am an American!"

Mary Ann Rodriguez-Veatch, "Statue of Liberty."

Mary Ann Rodriguez-Veatch, "Torn Between Two Countries."

Annette Sexton-Ruiz, "Future of Hate." Annette Sexton-Ruiz participated in the Chicano Art Movement in Chicago's "Little Mexico" in the 1980s and Self-Help Graphics in East Los Angeles throughout the 1990s. She began artist residencies in public schools and the Phoenix Center in 1999, creating ceramic piece murals that now number over twenty and hang throughout the Phoenix metro area.

Annette Sexton-Ruiz, "Loteria 1."

Annette Sexton-Ruiz, "Loteria 2."

Irma Sanchez, "Your Papers Please." Irma Sanchez was born and raised in Phoenix -- a city that inspired much of her work -- and is best known for her political art. You can find her pieces throughout the city and, next year, at the Phoenix Art Museum where she'll show her work alongside her fellow Contemporary Forum winners.

Irma Sanchez, "The Arizona Mexico Flag."

Irma Sanchez, "Moron Bumper Sticker."

Carla Chavarria, "SB1070." Nineteen-year-old Carla Chavarria graduated high school last month. She is the founder of IDREAM Campaign, works with the Arizona Dream Act Coalition and owns YCM Advertising Group.

Carla Chavarria, "Probable Cause."

Frank Ybarra, untitled. Frank Ybarra grew up in a family that was proud of its Mexican roots but was also fully assimilated into U.S. culture. He draws inspiration from familiar themes in the Southwest, as well as "American" family life, infusing his subjects with whimsy, vibrancy, and symbolism.

Frank Ybarra, "Our Lady of Guadalupe, AZ."

Frank Ybarra, "Mariachi LP."

Jose Benavides, "AL DIABLO ILLIGALS." Jose Benavides was born in Edinburg, Texas, to a migrant farm family. He grew up with an understanding that America was formed from the sweat of immigrants and believes to be anti-immigrant is un-American.

Jose Benavides, "Bo&Joe 2dayMe2mrU a"

Jose Benavides, "Bo&Joe Anti UnAmerican"