Community News

The 2nd Annual Latin Heritage Month Celebration

The Art League of Long Island is thrilled to announce its collaboration with Colored Colors for the 2nd Annual Latin Heritage Month Celebration, scheduled for October 14, 2023. This special event coincides with the closing reception of the Latin Heritage Month Exhibition, which will be on display from September 15th.

The Latin Heritage Month Celebration is a vibrant and cultural extravaganza that pays homage to the rich and diverse heritage of Latin America. Artists from New York State were invited to submit applications to showcase their 2D original works that celebrate Latin American culture in the Art League’s Strolling Gallery. This remarkable exhibition and event are generously sponsored by Legislator Manuel Esteban, a strong advocate for promoting and preserving cultural diversity within our community.

The selected artists for this prestigious exhibition are as follows:

  1. Francisco ‘Andres’ Gonzalez:

Artist Statement: “My name is Francisco ‘Andres’ Gonzalez, a self-taught Puerto Rican artist, born in the Bronx, New York, and raised in the suburbs of Long Island. My paintings are a combination of mixed media works that involve acrylic and applications of other mediums. My paintings are created to be defined by the viewer and to give the chance to explore. The three pieces accepted for this exhibition are ‘My Roots,’ ‘EL SOL TAINO,’ and ‘Barranquitas, Puerto Rico.'”

  1. Susan Kozodoy Silkowitz:

Artist Statement: “I love photographing people on the street. What excites me is how spontaneous the process is and how unpredictable people are. You may often find me on the streets of New York, capturing the fast-paced dynamics of life there.”

  1. Avrel Menkes:

Artist Statement: “My recent travels to many Latin countries have afforded me the opportunity to become immersed in each country’s unique culture. I strive for authenticity in the portraits I have painted with a camera, each representing a typical moment in the everyday life of the people of Latin descent.”

The Latin Heritage Month Celebration promises to be a vibrant, immersive, and culturally enriching experience for all attendees, featuring music, dancing, delectable Latin cuisine, and a variety of vendors offering unique cultural products and crafts. The event’s headlining band, Bachatu, will serenade the audience with their captivating rhythms. Additionally, children will have the opportunity to participate in a Huichol Mexican Yarn Painting project, providing a hands-on cultural experience.

This event serves as an opportunity to celebrate and honor Latin American culture, heritage, and contributions to our diverse community.  It is a testament to the Art League of Long Island’s commitment to fostering cultural understanding and appreciation through the arts, enabling every Long Islander to have access to the arts.  Both the Latin Heritage Month Exhibition and Celebration are open to the public and free of charge.  Let us embrace the rich tapestry of Latin American culture through art, music, and community spirit.

For more information about the Latin Heritage Month Celebration or Exhibition, please visit www.artleagueli.org.

About the Art League of Long Island:

The Art League of Long Island is a 501c non-profit dynamic visual arts center serving artists and the Long Island community since 1955.  Located in Dix Hills, NY, the Art League offers a wide range of classes, workshops, exhibitions, and community engagement opportunities throughout the year.

About Colored Colors:

“Diversity, authenticity and creativity in a professional platform, that is colored colors.”  For more information visit www.coloredcolors.com

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