Puro Gallo, Joe Lopez and Gallo Wine

[J. Manuel Urrutia]

For those of you that remember the struggle between the UFW and Gallo
Wine Co., the news release below should not come as a surprise. All I
can add is that I am pissed about and I'll never buy wine from those
bastards. Also, some Chicanos are thinking of holding fund-raisers to
help out this cuate. As I hear more about it, I'll post the relevant
info. (BTW, his work is very nice. It is very possible taht in the near
future he will set up a Web site so that you can see his paintings and,
who knows, even order them!)

Joe Lopez, Watercolor artist
Que nunca se nos olvide de donde venimos.

Joe Lopez, a watercolor artist, was born and raised in
"El Barrio Escondido" (the hidden barrio) of San Antonio,
Texas. The barrio is the foundation of Lopez's paintings.
His art reflects the cultural roots, family ties, religious
influences, and social upbringing of Tejanos. Lopez paints
the simple way of life lived by many Mexican-Americans and
Mexicans in communities along the border. The subtly
simplistic and yet real images draw people to appreciate his
art. His work shows pride in his community. But he is under
relentless legal attack and is very willing to fight to
protect his life's work.

This letter is to inform you on the status of Lopez's defense
against the Ernest and Julio Gallo Wine Company suit for
"infringement dilution and unfair trade practices." Joe's
current predicament originated when he attempted to register
his "Puro Gallo" logo and name on a national scale.

Lopez was stunned and initially intimidated by the
consequences he faced unless he immediately stopped his
efforts. Since the name (the title of one of his watercolors)
and the logo (the subject of many of his paintings) are very
near and dear to him, Lopez refuses to cave in and be bullied
by such an arrogant goliath.

His defense is being championed pro bono by Filemon Vela, Jr.
and by Rene Rodriguez. Both attorneys are based in Corpus
Christi and are colectors of Lopez's art. They are bearing
much of the expenses, which are compounded by the fact that
the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles is the battleground
and court of record.

To partly finance his defense efforts, Joe is turning to his
paint brush as "El Gallo Colorado" rides to fill the coffers
of the "PURO GALLO DEFENSE FUND." Joe has published a signed
and numbered Limited Edition print of his "El Colorado"
watercolor. This S/N Limited Edition print of 950 and 50
artist will sell for $50 and $100.

Puro Gallo Studio Gallery
732 S. Alamo St.
San Antonio, TX 78217
(210) 354-1880