Barrio Latino Art Festival honors Hispanic Heritage month
9/20/2012The first Barrio Latino Art Festival in honor of Hispanic Heritage month aims to highlight the presence of Latino arts and culture in the local community, as well as showcase the Latino heritage, said Linda Parra, a chairman of the festival.
"We are very proud of our heritage. It's the history of our families and our whole culture," Mrs. Parra said. "We want to share that with the community. We want to share the food, the music, the values that we have."
Hispanic Heritage month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and recognizes the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States.
The festival will be from noon to 11:30 p.m. Saturday on Broadway Street between Western and Crittenden avenues, where more than a dozen Latin inspired murals were recently painted.
"When we see the Latinos providing something good for the community, it's a big thing for us," Mrs. Parra said. "We support each other and value the work that's being done."
The art festival will feature diverse Latino entertainment, including live music and dancing. In addition, food from many Latino countries and children's activities will be available. Free health screenings, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks and HIV testing will be provided for anyone interested.
The work of more than a dozen Latino painters, craft artists and jewelry makers will be featured at the event. In addition, several artists will be on-site painting, crafting and offering tutorials and demonstrations.
DJ Ghost will play music from noon to 9 p.m. Reggaeton artist Eddy G will perform at 5:30 p.m. followed by Corazon de Mexico at 6 p.m. and Puerto Rican folk dancer, BombaRica at 6:30 p.m. A dance, with DJ Nando, will close the festival. The dance will take place from 8 to 11:30 p.m. at The Sofia Quintero Center.
Festival admission is $2. Children 12 and younger are free with an adult. Tickets for the dance are $10. Proceeds from the celebration will benefit four area non-profits: Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center (SQACC), Nuestra Gente Community Projects, Inc., Organization of Latino Artists (OLA) and the Believe Center.
Contact RoNeisha Mullen at rmullen@theblade.com or 419-724-6133.