Some days you happen upon an event, put your awkwardness in your pocket, and just go out into the world with no expectations. That’s what we did Friday night when Brian found Chingozine’s release and launch party. We had met Claudia Zapata in our own home (Tiny Park), so we added a fourth stop to our evening and headed east. We wandered around a cute neighborhood after a wrong turn, spotted the party through trees and over a ravine, then found ourselves greeted by a old school marquee. We had not taken more than a few steps up the driveway  when James Huizar greeted us with handshakes and smiles. Alas, another supporter of Tiny Park!

It wasn’t soon before we were shuffled to the back tables where two ladies – er, Chingos (Chingas?) – shared Chingozine and associated prints with us. The zines are bright, about the size of a cd case. Claudia described it best, as sketches maybe no one would see otherwise. That’s the fun part of zines. It’s like a poetry slam. Except with less fast talking and drama.

Scratch that, there was plenty of fast talking at this party. We met a number of people we have wanted to meet, needed to meet, met again, and introduced ourselves to. The drama? That was in the habanero-tequila drinks offered. I’ve never tasted such spice before!

The team behind Chingozine, from what I can tell, are all involved with Mexic-Arte and have combined their collective creativity into a force to be reckon with. Their attitude is completely positive and friendly. I felt at home in their backyard and left happy – and feeling hopeful. No, it wasn’t induced by the fiery tequila drink but rather by the good feelings that everyone at that party seemed to emanate. I vacillate between feelings of disappointment, unhappiness, confusion, and excitement often when leaving openings. Leaving in a euphoric cloud after Chingozine is all too rare a situation. I am so happy about it I wrote a review. Thank you, Chingozine team.