USTA Colorado and DIA’s Art and Culture Program Connect with Asian Tennis Portrait Series

Breaking the Barriers 2.0. – The Asian Connection in honor of Asian Heritage Month

DENVER, CO/May 12, 2014 — The United States Tennis Association (USTA) Colorado District and Denver International Airport’s (DIA) Art and Culture Program have partnered for the Colorado premiere of Breaking the Barriers 2.0. – The Asian Connection Portrait Series. Pulitzer prize-winning local photographer, Barry Gutierrez, will debut a collection of portraits inspired by the elements including: fire, water, air and earth. The Portraits Series, along with the history of Asian tennis in Colorado will be on display May 12 through June 15 at the DIA Gallery in Jeppesen Terminal, Level 5, west.

The public will be treated to view a traditional Lion Dance performance by Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu Association from Boulder in Jeppesen Terminal at 5:40 p.m. on May 15. The dance is an Asian tradition for good luck and good fortune. Then at an invitation-only reception, Derek Okubo, Executive Director of Denver’s Department of Human Relations and Community Partners will read a proclamation from Mayor Michael B. Hancock.

Using tennis as a backdrop, this exclusive Series highlights excellence, diversity and inclusion and health and wellness. “USTA Colorado is committed to diversity and inclusion by making tennis accessible to diverse and under-served communities,” says Paula McClain, USTA Colorado marketing and diversity director. “Our goal is to inspire a new generation of tennis players and to encourage a healthy, fun family activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.”

“Denver’s first-ever nonstop service to Asia was launched in June 2013 when United Airlines inaugurated daily nonstop service to Tokyo’s Narita Airport,” Eric Hiraga, chief of staff for Denver International Airport said. “Overall, passenger travel between Denver and Tokyo has grown by 50 percent since the service initiation, and other markets, including Singapore, Bangkok and Manila, have also been stimulated significantly. The Asian Connection is very important to Denver’s culture, and we are proud to display portraits of Asian Pacific American tennis pioneers to further enhance our relationship between Denver and Asia.”

As a follow up to the highly successful 2011 “Breaking the Barriers,” exhibit honoring African American achievements in tennis, USTA Colorado returns with Breaking the Barriers 2.0 celebrating local Asian Pacific-American tennis pioneers, contributors and rising stars in honor of Asian Heritage Month. There will be additional opportunities to see the Portrait Series showcase at summer tennis events including:

25th Anniversary Asian Tennis League

May 17 and 24

Gates Tennis Center

3300 E.Bayaud Ave., Denver

Tennis Hope Charity Tournament

May 24-25

Gates Tennis Center

3300 E. Bayaud Ave., Denver

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival

July 19

Portrait Series Showcase and Family “Learn & Play” Tennis Activities

Sloan’s Lake Tennis Courts

W. 26th St. & Utica, Denver

AsiaXpress

Aug 9-10

Gates Tennis Center

3300 E.Bayaud Ave., Denver

About United Tennis Association (USTA) and USTA Colorado District

One of six districts of the United States Tennis Association, USTA Colorado is the governing body of tennis in our state. Founded in 1955, USTA Colorado’s mission is to promote and develop tennis in Colorado by coordinating recreational and competitive tennis programs for players of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. For more information, visit www.coloradotennis.com.

About DIA’s Art and Culture Program

DIA’s Art and Culture Program administers the City and County of Denver’s “one percent for art” ordinance which enhances public places and features nearly 30 site-specific works including sculptures, murals and other installations. The pieces are displayed in outdoor landscapes, inside Jeppesen Terminal and on airport concourses, as well as in the train tunnels and on the train itself. In addition to its permanent art collection, DIA curates temporary exhibitions, collaborating with museums, cultural institutions and arts organizations to present the highest quality two- and three-dimensional work. For more information, visit www.flydenver.com/art.

DIA has been named “Best U.S. Airport for Art” in USA Today’s “10Best Reader’s Choice” travel contest in 2013. The category focuses on how airports have been transforming from utilitarian hubs of transport to spaces with beautiful works of art, great restaurants, comfy lounges and terrific shopping. DIA was selected by readers as the favorite among 20 airports nominated by the publication.

About Barry Gutierrez

Barry Gutierrez is a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and owner of Barry Gutierrez Photography. He specializes in serving corporate clients with the eye of a veteran photojournalist. Always pursuing his passion in photojournalism, Gutierrez has amassed a wide range of photographic talent that spans the gamut. For more information, visit www.barrygutierrez.com.

Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $36 billion for the region annually. For more information visit www.FlyDenver.com, check us out on YouTube and Instagram, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for DEN’s monthly newsletter Nonstop News.

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