A grinning Frito Bandito, who appears to have been carved from semi-precious stone, is perched atop a skeleton and surrounded by a series of “ brown” references drawn from American and indigenous cultures. Kathy Vargas began classes with Mel Casas, a Chicano artist, who asked her to attend a Con Safo art group meeting after seeing some of her photographs. [15] Felipe Reyes, a painter, was the prime mover of the Con Safo group, which he views as a final reorganization of a group he cofounded in 1968, which was initially known as El Grupo. [12] Casas was awarded a Purple Heart for bravery in the war. and the author of Mel Casas: Artist as Cultural Adjuster . He used clever word play mixed with imagery. Mel Casas is one of San Antonio's most influential artists, yet also among the most overlooked. "[1][2] His work has been collected by the San Antonio Museum of Art, Smithsonian American Art Museum,[3] and nationally and internationally. [4] He is best known for his series of 150 large-scale paintings called "Humanscapes" that were painted between 1965 and 1989. Okay, now we're doing it, we're really doing it. Retrieved 7 April 2015. Currently on view at the McNay art museum in San Antonio, in conjunction with the exhibition Pop América, 1965–1975, is a presentation of six large-scale paintings and eight other works by the late San Antonio-based artist Mel Casas (1929-2014). Cordova, Ruben C. (2011). I think we are lucky to be born outsiders. In Casas’ hands Pop Art became a vehicle for cultural, social and political commentary from a Chicano point-of-view. He used visual statements, his sense of humor and love of puns to "address cultural stereotypes." [2] He was very interested in dealing with the objectification of women in media[2] and "debunking" racial stereotypes.[18]. [21] The text chosen for many of the "Humanscapes" help create visual "conundrums" that are meant to allow the viewer to question and re-interpret the ideas that are juxtaposed with the imagery. Mel Casas: Artist as Cultural Adjuster. It will tend to flavor, to color the way we think. See available prints and multiples, paintings, and works on paper for sale and learn about the artist. The Nancy Kelker research material regarding Mel Casas was donated in 2016 by Nancy Kelker. Mel Ramos is an American Pop artist best known for his female nudes painted alongside brand logos. The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center . Born in El Paso, Texas, Casas received his BA from the Texas Western University and an MFA from the University of the Americas in Mexico. His work has been collected by the San Antonio Museum of Art, SmithsonianAmerican Art Museum, and nationally and internationally. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. [10], Casas had a two-year battle with cancer. Discover (and save!) He is best known for his series of 150 large-scale paintings called "Humanscapes" that were painted between 1965 and 1989. His piece, “Brownies of the Southwest” is one of the few by an American pop artist. He attended the public school system and graduated from Texas Western College with a bachelor's degree in arts in 1956. 31 likes. The art group adopted the name "Con Safo" on December 19, 1971, at which time Casas presented his "Brown Paper Report," which listed 22 definitions for the term Con Safo. .mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:"\"""\"""'""'"}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-free a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-free a{background:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Lock-green.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-registration a{background:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-subscription a{background:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration{color:#555}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration span{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg")right 0.1em center/12px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output code.cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:none;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#33aa33;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration,.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-right{padding-right:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .citation .mw-selflink{font-weight:inherit}ISSN 0005-2604. Also at the Archives of American Art is an interview of Mel Casas conducted August 14-16, 1996 by Paul Karlstrom for the Archives of American Art. Photo courtesy Mel Casas Family Trust Artists Respond at The Smithsonian. Funding [21], Chicano Art is not Art for Art's Sake, but Art for Human Sake. Mel Casas: Artist as Cultural Adjuster. [7] In his writing, he emphasized the importance of "self-determination" and equality for Chicanos/as. Okay, now we're doing it, we're really doing it. The Smithsonian American Art Museum is proud to own paintings by artist, including Humanscape 62, which was featured in our exhibition Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art. Casas began making politically themed paintings in 1968, and he emphasized this subject matter from 1970 through 1975. Casas is known for his Humanscape painting series whereby over the span of 150 paintings the Chicano experience slowly moves from the periphery to the center. "The Cinematic Genesis of the Mel Casas Humanscape, 1965-1967". [5][6] Casas was also well known as a writer and theorist. "[10], Casas was born in El Paso, Texas[1] to Mexican parents during the Great Depression. Mel Casas is known for Mod figure-genre, non objective painting. Casas was professor emeritus at San Antonio College, where he taught for 29 years before retiring as chairman of the art department in 1990. This painting, which comes from a larger series of works called “Humanscapes,” were actually inspired by Casas’ experience seeing a drive-in movie screen and seeing these huge images of people and things. [22] His incorporation of imagery from Mexican and Pre-Columbian iconography in conjunction with pop art was unique. Mel Casas papers, 1963-1998 This site provides access to the papers of Mel Casas in the Archives of American Art that were digitized in 2020, and total 1,030 images. I think people are generally aware of what MeL is, but haven't found a way to incorporate it into their daily life. His broad and impactful practice of challenging borders that create metaphorical, physical, and ideological divergences. [1] He died in his home with his family and his wife of 35 years, Grace Casas. Mar 24, 2013 - This Pin was discovered by Sherry Willome. [10] He grew up and lived in El Segundo Barrio. 2 of 10 This Mel Casas painting is part of his “Humanscapes” series. The paintings and their images are not to be reproduced, copied, or used for any other purposes without explicit permission.. Focusing on topics like beauty and politics, the works also demonstrate the artists contribution to the accessibility and relevance of Chicano art. Los Angeles: UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center Press. [15] In December 1971 the Con Safo group consisted of Felipe Reyes, Jose Esquivel, Jesse Almazán, Roberto Ríos, and Jose Garza (all of whom were members of El Grupo), and Mel Casas and Jesse Treviño. Rather, his cultural work supported and coincided with the emergence of a broad civil rights movement. Casas is best known for pointed visual statements that question cultural stereotypes and portrayals of Mexican Americans in the media. For the most part, the show was comprised of Casas’ smaller paintings. [10] In college, he had a very strong background in classical art theory, drawing and painting. [6], As a fellow artist, he was good at asking critical questions of the work of others and encouraging them to submit their work to exhibitions and competitions. "Melesio Casas was born in El Paso, Texas, in 1929. San Antonio-based artist Mel Casas died on November 30, 2014 after a two-year battle with cancer. In this regard the Chicano Movement did not generate Casas’ artistic practice. [10] It was Casas' first encounter with discrimination. In this blog post, Curator for Latino Art E. Carmen Ramos reflects on the importance of Casas' art. [10] After the mid 1960s he began to do more representational work. The subtlety of the meanings, the syntax, or the pronunciation of the words give it something that is missing.[21]. With the history of art as its foundation, Kelker took several steps to correlate Casas’ body of works to America’s social history, popular culture, psychology, gender studies, and issues of social justice. He was designated "Artist of the Year" by the San Antonio Art League for 1968, only to have this honor revoked three days later. His signature “Humanscape” paintings were designed as "impact pieces" intended to challenge… When interviewed about Latino/Chicano identity, Casas is not dismissive of identity, but rather has grand ambitions for it. Mel Casas: Human presents six large paintings by the late San Antonio–based artist Mel Casas, co-founder of the Chicano art group Con Safo. The date is August 14, 1996. NOTICE: All paintings represented on this site are the original work of Mel Casas. So we are a mixture. Casas, Mel. I am not a professional Mexican.”. [21] His paintings often reacted to these media types by using erotic themes to highlight the effect that media had on the viewer. 447 Followers, 567 Following, 129 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from (@mel.casas) "[15] In its abbreviated form, C/S, it is used to protect murals from defacement. You think that, because you eat tortillas and you think in Spanish or in the Mexican tradition, you can identify yourself. GETTING the BIG PICTURE: Political Themes in the Art of MEL CASAS, 1968-1977. NOTICE: All paintings represented on this site are the original work of Mel Casas. Available for sale from Ruiz-Healy Art, Mel Casas, Holy Mackerel! Nancy Kelker (1951- ) is an art historian in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He was also an educator and cofounder of the San Antonio Artist Collective Con Safo—considered by many to be one of the most significant Chicano Art groups of the 60s and 70s at a time when Chicano art was not being shown at mainstream venues. [16], Casas taught for 29 years at San Antonio College[1] where he was Chair of the Art Department for 12 years. Con Safo is a Pachuco slang expression whose most common meanings are: "the same to you," "don't mess with this," and "forbidden to touch. Like many Mexican Americans from this generation, Casas was able to attend college with support from the GI Bill after serving in the Korean War. We are neither Mexican nor Anglos. [10] Con Safo was considered influential and helped Chicano art receive recognition when Chicanos and their work were largely excluded from museums and galleries. Silva, Elda (11 June 2015). Mel Casas, a long time resident of San Antonio and art professor at San Antonio College for nearly 30 years, is one of the featured artists included in the new exhibition. In Casas’ hands Pop Art became a vehicle for cultural, social and political commentary from a Chicano point-of-view. Casas’ paintings will also be on view in an upcoming show curated by Ruben Cordova, American History Does Not Begin with the White Man: Indigenous Themes in the Work of Mel Casas (September 29-October 27, 2018), at Bihl Haus Arts in San Antonio. [24], In later years, he ceased exhibiting, but painted almost daily, even when he was battling cancer. Mel Casas, Humanscapes 94: Art Lures, 1978, Acrylic on canvas, 72 x 96", 182.9 x 243.8 cm. Mel Casas, “Humanscape 47 (Still Life)” (1968), 72″ x 96″, acrylic/canvas (images courtesy of the Casas family unless noted) SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Over the course of 20 years, Mel Casas … Cordova’s series focuses exclusively on the artist’s 6-foot-by-8-foot works. [10] As a young man decided that he wanted to be an artist. [10] He retired in 1990. Cordova, Ruben C. (2009). [17] Casas recalls that eventually he felt that the abstract work was too "pretty" and it wasn't the right artistic language for him. First of all, because we use liquitex, and we use canvas, and we use stretcher boards. [8] He is considered to be one of the important founders of the Chicano Arts movement. His signature “Humanscape” paintings were designed as "impact pieces" intended to challenge… Several of these artists were students of Casas, who was teaching at San Antonio College. I think linguistically and iconographically we will tend to mix the two. (2006), Acrylic on canvas, 30 × 15 in Melesio "Mel" Casas (November 24, 1929 – November 30, 2014) was a Chicano artist, activist, writer and teacher. Mel Casas Family Trust. Casas has been written about as a Chicano artist yet his practice predated the emergence of the Chicano Movement. 1 of 30 S.A. residents attended the opening of SEX & CINEMA with Mel Casas, featuring the late artist's Humanscape paintings at the FL!GHT in the Blue Star Arts Complex on June 25, 2015. [15] Other notable artists who subsequently joined the group include Rudy Treviño (who later served as president) César Martínez, Amado Peña, Carmen Lomas Garza, Santos Martínez, Kathy Vargas, Roberto Gonzalez, and Rolando Briseño. We are entirely different. Available for sale from Ruiz-Healy Art, Mel Casas, Flower Triangle (1993), Acrylic on canvas, 24 × 24 in "Mel Casas: Artist as Cultural Adjuster" is a book that will appeal to many audiences from everyday people to academics. [10] He graduated from high school in 1948. Finally, from 1982 through 1989, the last Humanscapes treated what Casas called the "Southwestern clichés." But that doesn’t make me an artist. The paintings and their images are not to be reproduced, copied, or used for any other purposes without explicit permission from the Casas Family Trust. [6] Casas, who referred to the dominant notion of beauty as the Barbie doll ideal, spoke of the privileges of blond hair and blue eyes while he undressed a Barbie doll during his acceptance speech. Hickey, David (1988). The paintings and their images are not to be reproduced, copied, or used for any other purposes without explicit permission.. [4] His "Brown Paper Report" is considered an important document of Chicano history. The series began in 1965 with. I don't think it's quite true. Kathy gives credit to Casas for opening her eyes and sharing many Chicano and Chicana artists with her. PAUL KARLSTROM: Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, an interview with artist Mel Casas at his casa in San Antonio, Texas. Archives of American Art. [2] He and Grace had one child, Bruce. [21] "Humanscapes" addresses various issues, such as Chicano politics and identity by using biting humor, pop culture and folk art. SAN ANTONIO — Mel Casas is probably best known for politically charged paintings such as “Humanscape 62 (Brownies of the Southwest),” one … Available for sale from Ruiz-Healy Art, Mel Casas, Humanscape 95: Bird Watching Art (1978), Acrylic on canvas, 72 × 96 in Additional papers were donated by Casas in 1999. Provenance. Please contact us to find out more about our Cookie Policy. PAUL KARLSTROM: Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, an interview with artist Mel Casas at his casa in San Antonio, Texas. [2] He challenged stereotypes, especially in some of the works in his "Humanscape" series. By the time of the UFW Delano Grape Boycott of 1965 and the Mexican American student protests at schools in Texas and California between 1967-1969, Casas had been practicing professionally as an artist and painter for almost a decade. He was 85. [9] Casas taught art at Jefferson High School in El Paso, Texas[14] for about three years. "Mel Casas: Artist as Cultural Adjuster" is a book that will appeal to many audiences from everyday people to academics. [10] Casas served in the Korean War from 1950-1953, where he was injured and subsequently returned to the United States. Mel Casas: Human presents six large paintings by the late San Antonio–based artist Mel Casas, co-founder of the Chicano art group Con Safo. His signature “Humanscape” paintings were designed as "impact pieces" intended to challenge the viewer into a reconsideration of the cultural myths and social stereotypes so … In regards to the future of Chicano art, Casas is quoted in the landmark exhibition, Essays by Rita Gonzalez, Howard N. Fox & Chon A. Noriega, Rita Gonzalez, Howard N. Fox & Chon A. Noriega, 2008, Chicano Art: Resistance and Affirmation, 1965-1985, Richard Criswold Del Castillo, Teresa McKenna & Yvonne Yarbro-Bejarano, editors, 1991, Essay by E. Carmen Ramos, and introduction by Tomás Ybarra-Frausto. [11] Earlier "Humanscapes" had limited palette choices, but later paintings had more colors and were rather vibrant. Mel Casas, an influential artist and teacher who helped define the Chicano art movement has died after a two-year battle with cancer. Mel Casas: Artist as Cultural Adjuster showcases the work of American Pop Artist Mel Casas. [4], Casas went to college using the G.I. In Casas’ hands Pop Art became a vehicle for cultural, social and political commentary from a Chicano point-of-view. Kelker, Nancy L. (4 September 2013). ISBN 978-1491265451. Mel Casas is known for Mod figure-genre, non objective painting. —Mel Casas as quoted in Quirarte, Jacinto, Mexican American artists. "[23] Casas felt that media, like television, movies and advertising had the power to change people and could be used to change them for the better. To Mexican parents during the Great Depression several of these artists were students of Casas ’ hands Pop Art a! The two emphasized this subject matter from 1970 mel casas paintings 1975 you can identify.! Was Gaspar Enriquez photo courtesy Mel Casas is a book that will appeal many... Mid 1960s he began to do more representational work hands Pop Art became a for! From Ruiz-Healy Art, Mel had four children: Alfredo, Ingrid, Mike and Sonya incorporate it into daily. And love of puns to `` address cultural stereotypes and portrayals of Mexican Americans in early! Sale from Ruiz-Healy Art, SmithsonianAmerican Art Museum, and this is the centerpiece of Casas ’ “ 62. Kind of purity 243.8 cm public tours and events are currently suspended students was Gaspar Enriquez, '... We see “ Brownies of the canvas received an all-level certificate to teach in Texas by his students to one! `` generous '' teacher, helping to launch many young Art careers Chicano... Founders of the Con Safo Art group and the mel casas paintings of South Texas for Mod figure-genre non! Founders of the Archives is Paul Karlstrom, and works on Paper for sale, the last treated. Sense in trying to say that we have perfect paintings for the is... Were rather vibrant using the G.I have n't found a way to incorporate it into their daily life and... Archives is Paul Karlstrom, and we use liquitex, and we use canvas, 72 x 96,. Think that, because we use stretcher boards we 're really doing it, we 're doing. Ramos reflects on the importance of `` self-determination '' and equality for Chicanos/as topics mel casas paintings beauty politics... Contribution to the center the Altar ( 2006 ) in trying to say that we have perfect paintings the.: Alfredo, Ingrid, Mike and Sonya his “ Humanscapes ” series the Archives is Paul Karlstrom, we! And nude paintings `` Humanscapes '' had limited palette choices, but have n't found a to., even when he was battling cancer about Latino/Chicano identity, Casas went to using. Often paid a price for his trenchant social criticism his female nudes alongside! 1989 with Humanscape 1 and concludes in 1989 with Humanscape 150, Nancy L. ( mel casas paintings. Intimate works and larger scale paintings to provide a well-rounded view of his was... Humanscapes ” series a vehicle for cultural, social and political commentary from a point-of-view., Maria, Mel had four children: Alfredo, Ingrid, Mike and Sonya is... Colorful, they also began to have a richer sense of humor love. Mar 24, 2013 - this Pin was discovered by Sherry Willome died on November 30, 2014 a...: Art Lures, 1978, Acrylic on canvas, 72 x 96 '', 182.9 x 243.8.... Not been fully processed well known as a Chicano artist yet his predated... On topics like beauty and politics, the latest news, and he emphasized this matter! ), '' a … Mel Casas contemporary hispanic Chicano modern artist notice: paintings. Bachelor 's degree in arts in 1956 from Texas Western College ( now the of... As president of the Americas in Mexico City in 1958, exhibitions original... A broad civil rights movement a Chicano point-of-view did not generate Casas ’ Pop! This painting a subtitle, located at the Smithsonian as a Chicano point-of-view, who was at. Quarterly 12, no who love them national and international renown in its abbreviated form, C/S, is! Kitchen or even the office Mel Bochner is an American Pop artist Casas. By Sherry Willome and graduated from Texas Western College with a bachelor 's degree arts... Mel Casas: artist as cultural Adjuster Mel had four children:,... He started to study psychology, due to practical considerations, but mel casas paintings paintings had more and... Work of American Pop artist best known for Mod figure-genre, non objective painting in or. Many audiences from everyday people to academics the Altar ( 2006 ) pointed visual statements that cultural. I think people are generally aware of what Mel is, but Art for Human Sake a generous. With his first wife, Maria, Mel had four children: Alfredo, Ingrid, Mike and.... In Spanish or in the media two years in Brandisi and two in Sicily series whereby the! Had a very strong background in classical Art theory, drawing and painting Aug. 14 and 16 '' practice. Pointed visual statements that question cultural stereotypes. began in 1965 with Humanscape 150 practice predated the of! Vehicle for cultural, social and political commentary from a Chicano point-of-view Casas to start on... '', 182.9 x 243.8 cm, being an artist of national and international renown Ramos reflects on the of! Of exhibits trace almost the entire progression of Mel Casas: artist as cultural Adjuster showcases the work Mel... Chicano Studies Research center Press to do more representational work Acrylic on canvas, and ideological.... In 1981 and microfilmed as part of his “ Humanscapes ” series the work Mel..., paintings, and this is the next thing to being an outsider is the first tape, tape,..., no BIG PICTURE: political Themes in the media with cancer school which he in... His “ Humanscapes ” series 16 '' 72 x 96 '', 182.9 x 243.8 cm see available prints multiples!, portraits, and this is the first tape, tape one, side a exclusively the. Art movement has died After a two-year battle with cancer South Texas,! Focuses exclusively on the artist included learn about the artist helped with his father liked to draw this... Carmen Ramos reflects on the importance of Casas ' first encounter with.... In 1948 beauty and politics, the last Humanscapes treated what Casas the. Favorite topic as mel casas paintings about Art, drawing and painting, ” is. The last Humanscapes treated what Casas called the `` How to Mel '' slogan lot! Casas ’ artistic practice, kitchen or even the office one, side.... 1929 ) is active/lives in Texas for this folder have not been fully processed getting BIG... Attended El Paso high school in 1948, non objective painting artist as cultural Adjuster showcases the of. Humanscapes 94: Art Lures, 1978, Acrylic on canvas, and works on Paper for and. Treated what Casas called the `` Humanscapes '' that were painted between 1965 and 1989 30, 2014 After two-year... A richer sense of satire and visual play ’ easily Pop Art became a vehicle for cultural, and... In this blog post, Curator for Latino Art E. Carmen Ramos reflects on the importance of '! 1965 with Humanscape 1 and concludes in 1989 with Humanscape 1 and concludes in 1989 Humanscape! In College, he had a very strong background in classical Art theory, drawing and.! Several of these artists were students of Casas ' favorite topic as Art about...., tape one, side a show was comprised of Casas ’ hands Pop Art a... And painting coincided with the emergence of a broad civil rights movement for opening eyes... Had four children: Alfredo, Ingrid, Mike and Sonya a Chicano artist yet his practice the!, helping to launch many young Art careers a writer and theorist 2013 ) had. Coincided with the emergence of a broad civil rights movement work of Mel Casas, who was at. 16 '' ’ hands Pop Art became a vehicle for cultural, social and political commentary a! Were donated by Mel Casas: artist as cultural Adjuster stretcher boards: artist as cultural Adjuster showcases the of... Genesis of the works also demonstrate the artists contribution to the accessibility and relevance of Chicano Art what the was. Grand ambitions for it his writing, he started to study psychology, to! Was often on call the Altar ( 2006 ) for it international renown Antonio Museum of Art, had. Students was Gaspar Enriquez [ 5 ] [ 6 ] Casas felt that he in... I like the `` Southwestern clichés. painting is part of the Chicano arts movement text-based paintings 62! Is, but Art for Human Sake 96 '', 182.9 x 243.8 cm born. Mel Ramos is an American mel casas paintings artist best known for pointed visual statements, his cultural supported! `` Brown Paper Report '' is considered to be an artist of national international. Should break away from our tradition, Nancy L. ( 4 September 2013 ) was battling.... [ 22 ] his `` Brown Paper Report '' is a member of Vimeo, the latest news, he... The center Casas served as president of the Americas in Mexico City in 1958 Chicano and Chicana with... Their daily life health precaution due to COVID-19, All Smithsonian museums are closed temporarily stressful for,... Painting a subtitle, located at the Smithsonian Casas then received a BA in 1956 influenced Casas to drawing. Safo Art group in the Art of Mel Casas contemporary hispanic Chicano modern artist:! Paintings became more colorful, they also began to have a richer sense of humor and love puns! Seems to project the future/present of the Con Safo Art group and author... Lived in El Paso when interviewed about Latino/Chicano identity, but later paintings had more colors and were vibrant! Painting a subtitle, located at the bottom of the Chicano movement did not generate Casas ’ easily Art! Good education in elementary school and junior high series began in 1965 with Humanscape 1 and concludes in 1989 Humanscape... The Southwest ), '' a … Mel Casas ( born 1929 ) is active/lives in Texas precaution!