TIJUANA – For the first time, more than 550 items of folk art from the Mingei Museum's permanent collection will be exhibited south of the border.

Starting Friday, the El Cubo gallery at the Centro Cultural Tijuana (Cecut) will host the international exhibit "Mingei – The Beauty of Use." The collection shows ancient as well as contemporary objects from 141 countries.

In 2010, the Mingei Museum presented the exhibit "Viva México, Héroes y Artesanos," to mark that country's Bicentennial Anniversary of its Independence. In response, the center's director, Virgilio Muñoz, invited the Mingei to present in Tijuana.

Since early March, two trucks packed with objects of all sizes have traveled south to transport the Mingei's collection to El Cubo, which is part of the Cecut complex.

The exhibit, the museum's first international one in 33 years, is scheduled to be in Tijuana through July 22.

The Mingei's director, Rob Sidner, said it was important to take culture to wherever it will be appreciated.

"Art is a universal language that crosses borders," Sidner said. "In our exhibition the people of Tijuana will be able to see objects from different cultures, but above all, see what our museum has to offer on this side of the border."

To mark the partnership with the Cecut, the Mingei is hosting "Looking South," a Mexican celebration on April 27. The event will include a culinary feast presented by renowned Baja California chef Miguel Ángel Guerrero and wines from the Guadalupe Valley.

Information about the Cecut and the Mingei Museum is available at their websites.

Alexandra.mendoza@sandiegored.com