Cheech Marin [2] is coming through town Thursday night. But this visit is less about up-in-smoke and more about off-the-wall. Or on the wall, to be more exact. Marin is known for his collection of Chicano art -- considered the largest collection of its kind -- and he'll be on hand for a talk and book signing [3] as guest curator of Metro State College's Center for the Visual Arts current exhibit: Leaving Azatlan: Rethinking Contemporary Latino and Chicano Art [4]. Kaytie Johnson, curator of the exhibit, will also be at the gallery during the Meet the Artists Reception from 6-7 p.m. to discuss the exhibit and take questions from the audience. Exhibit info from the CVA web site:

"Leaving Aztlán: Rethinking Contemporary Latino and Chicano Art presents work of contemporary U.S. artists that challenges stereotypical perceptions of Chicana/o and Latina/o art as a homogenous style. These artists use culturally ambiguous strategies that situate their work within the larger context of contemporary art."

The reception is free to CVA members, or $10 for non-members. From 7-9 p.m. the reception is free and open to the public.