A monumental work of art or a terribly misplaced reminder of cruel history? Conquistador Juan de Oñate is a hero to some in El Paso who feel the Spanish contributions to settling the West is often ignored. To others, he represents oppression and violence, an attempt to obliterate Native American culture.

When sculptor John Houser began creating a huge statue of de Oñate for the city of El Paso, he and his backers hadn’t a clue of the controversy it would create. The Last Conquistador eloquently tells this story. Today, Think’s Kris Boyd talked to John Valadez, the filmmaker. (Listen below).

UPDATE: Tickets for the screening are no longer available. But the documentary will air on KERA TV Tuesday at 9 p.m.

And there are still a few spaces left for Art&Seek’s reception, special screening and q/a with co-director Christina Ibarra at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow here at KERA, 3000 Harry Hines Blvd. You must RSVP at 214.740.9238. Come join us.