Riverside Arts Center in Ypsilanti presents "Curanderas: The Heart and Hands of Coatlicue" next week. This multimedia exhibit showcases Mexican and Mexican American healers and the mysticism that often surrounds their practices as holistic health care providers, community leaders, cleansing experts and spiritual practitioners.

Dating back to early Mesoamerican civilization, curanderas have been revered for their role in understanding and influencing the transformative forces of nature and life. Ancient traditions of Mexico propose that these healers, who facilitated childbirths and accompanied the dying in their final hours, were a source of life cycle knowledge and wisdom.

Consisting of a healer's altar shrouded in cloth, framed by photographs and paintings, 'Curanderas' is inspired by ancient Mexican culture as well as the present-day network of sacred sanctuaries stretching from southern Mexico to the Great Lakes. Gabrielle and Juan Javier Pescador, based in Ann Arbor, are the featured artists. A native of Canada, Gabrielle paints and works with textiles, while Mexico-born Juan Javier takes photographs and teaches history at Michigan State University.

Chrysta Cherrie is the entertainment producer/copy editor for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at chrystacherrie@annarbor.com or 734-623-2526, and follow her on Twitter @chrystacherrie.

"Curanderas: The Heart and Hands of Coatlicue": Opens on Wednesday, Sept. 9 with a reception on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 5-7 p.m. at Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Gallery hours: Thurs.-Sat., 3-9 p.m., and Sun., 1:30-4 p.m. Continues through Sunday, Sept. 27, 9:30 p.m. Information: 734-480-2787.