‘Arte Latino’ to open in St. James

'Arte Latino' to open in St. James

Sol y Sombra to perform at opening reception on Saturday, Aug. 22

August 20, 2009 | 10:48 AM
Latino artists take center stage in "Arte Latino" at the Mills Pond House Gallery from Saturday, Aug. 22 to Sept. 23. Viewers will experience unique views of Latino artistic expression that reflect the diversity of the Latino community in the United States.

The exhibit includes 21 artists who draw their inspiration from a broad range of themes, from immigration to politics, cultural assimilation and family values. The artists hail from California, Texas, Ohio, Missouri, Michigan, Kentucky, Maine, New Jersey and New York. Five Long Island artists are represented. The work presents a snapshot of the rich customs and traditions that their cultures (Cuba, Puerto Rico, Panama, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Spain) have woven into their American lives.

The exhibition opening reception will be held on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. The public is invited to view the exhibition and meet the exhibiting artists. Admission is free.

There will be a special presentation by Sol y Sombra Spanish Dance Company at 3:30 and 7 pm. Two flamenco guitarists and a flamenco singer interpret songs that reflect the difficulty, dignity, forbearance and hopes of the outsider in a new land and culture. Dancers Maria Loreta Celitan and Ricardo Santiago will perform a variety of dances of this fascinating Spanish art form. Seating is very limited and advance reservations are required.

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The guitar was the voice that gave expression to the sorrow, challenges and victories faced by the Spanish gypsy as they struggled to find their place in a new land. Artist Pura Cruz uses the guitar to symbolize the parallel experience of the Hispanic immigrants as they struggle to assimilate into American society today. Her series "Border Wall" will be on display as part of the "Arte Latino" exhibition.

The gallery is located at 660 Route 25A, St. James and is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 pm.

For more information or to reserve seating for the performance, call 862-6575; or visit the Smithtown Township Arts Council website at www.stacarts.org.

Participating Artists:

Demetrio Alfonso, West New York, N.J.

Diane Arellano, Los Angeles, Calif.

Joycelyn Bila, Nesconset

Mariana Castro De Ali, Elk Grove, Calif.

Gil Corral, Biddeford, Maine

Pura Cruz, Coram

Michi Jigarjian, New York

Belenna Lauto, Hicksville

Antonia Layton, Great Neck

Gregory Liffick, Ontario, Calif.

Gustavo Lucin, Brentwood

Stella Marroquin, Cibolo, Texas

Fermin Mendoza, Cedar Knolls, N.J.

Nora Chapa Mendoza, West Bloomfield, Mich.

Marie-Elena Ottman, Crestwood, Ky.

Gabriela Pickett-Mosier, Dayton, Ohio

Ramon Ramirez Pico, Rivera, Calif.

Evelyn Ramos, Setauket

Fabio Rodriguez, Arnold, Mo.

Jose Romero Jr., East Lansing, Mich.

Kenneth Verdugo, Lewisville, Texas

Chris Vivas, Ronkonkoma

Peter Wang, Jersey City, N.J.

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