By Susan Wallner, JerseyArts.com
originally published: 12/10/2020
Ada Trillo is a bilingual documentary photographer who grew up–literally–crossing the border. Born in El Paso, her family moved to Juárez when she was young, but she attended school in Texas. It meant an hours-long commute over the border every day. Trillo went on to become a painter, but Donald Trump’s hateful comments about Mexicans when he was first running for president caused her to make a radical shift. She had to show the people she knew.
Her photo journey began with a ride on the notoriously dangerous “La Bestia,” a freight train hopped by migrants and asylum seekers with no other options. The Noyes Museum’s Kramer Gallery in Hammonton, NJ, is now showing a selection of Trillo’s portraits in the exhibition “If Walls Could Speak: Asylum Seekers,” open both in person and online through January 8, 2021.
Trillo spoke by cell phone to producer Susan Wallner about her life and her documentary art.
Cover photos: “Ismael Casa del Migrante,” “La Bestia,” “Laura,” “Quinceanera,” and “Leeway Wiliam Gonsalez”
About the author: Susan Wallner is a principal of PCK Media, an independent production company. She is the co-series producer of the public television program 'State of the Arts,' a job that has introduced her to a wealth of talent and artistic diversity over the years. Susan's documentaries and performance specials have aired nationally. Most recently, her profile of the writer, aviator and celebrity, 'Anne Morrow Lindbergh: You’ll Have the Sky,' won the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Emmy for Best Feature Writing (it was Susan's 15th regional Emmy win). Narrated by Judith Light and Lily Rabe, it aired throughout the country on PBS and PBS World, and is available on DVD. Currently, Susan is working on a documentary about the self-taught city planner, builder, and artist, Kea Tawana.
Content provided by
Discover Jersey Arts, a project of the ArtPride New Jersey Foundation and New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
FEATURED EVENTS
Narrow results by date, categories, or region of New Jersey.
NYC Musical Marathon & Jack Dallas presents Repertoire 2025
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Divinity Hall @ Centennial AME Zion Church
5 Lewis Place, Closter, NJ 07624
category: music
View event page for full information
Candlelight: Rings and Dragons
Thursday, January 23, 2025 @ 6:00pm
Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
category: music
View event page for full information
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Friday, January 24, 2025 @ 8:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
category: theatre
View event page for full information
More events
Event Listings are available for $10 and included with our banner ad packages
EVENT PREVIEWS
BlowUpRadio.com to Broadcast Rock Against Hate Webathon With New Compilation Albums
New Jersey based Internet radio station BlowUpRadio.com has scheduled a new Rock Against Hate webathon to take place on January 20, 2025, the same day as Donald Trump's second inauguration. Recording artists, the majority New Jersey based, will give live, online performances throughout the day as the station raises funds and awareness for two organizations: Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) and Planned Parenthood.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Montclair Art Museum presents "Family, Community, Belonging: Works from the Collection"
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Montclair Art Museum is thrilled to present its latest exhibition, Family, Community, Belonging: Works from the Collection. This unique collection-based exhibition delves into the ever-evolving notions of family and community, and explores themes of belonging, diversity, and inclusion through a diverse array of artworks. The exhibition opens on February 9, 2024, and will be on display at the museum until January 2026.
