Hispanic-American heritage exhibition

(Beacon) - The Howland Cultural Center initiated its month long celebration of the National Hispanic-American History Month with an art exhibition honoring seventeen Latino artists of the Hudson Valley. The exhibition “Arte, Pasion y Comundidad” (HeART, Passion & CommUNITY) opened with a reception last Saturday.
The reception provided an opportunity for dialogue between viewer and artists. It gave the viewers the opportunity to explore the artists’ perception and personal inspiration for their work, and for the artists to receive interest and direct responses to their work from the viewers.
The exhibition featured paintings, sculpture, and photography from Jose Acosta, Salvador Arellano, Aurello Castano, Marisa del Pozo Slick, Jessica Diaz, Rafael Figueroa, Alejandro Giron, Ana Laura Gonzales, Felipe Guevara, Salvador Guzman, Elizabeth Lauri, Nestor Madalengoitia, Josephine Monter, Elisa Pritzker, Federico Ruiz and Mayra Villa-Hartofilis who also represents many Spanish speaking countries: Argentina, Columbia, Cuba, Equador, Honduras, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Peru and Spain.
Spanish speaking people have always been a vital part of America’s development. Their contributions to that development and success are well documented, and, as Cecilia Garcia, Director of Communications for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute has written, “Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the Latino contribution. It also lets us recognize that America’s cultural diversity and the contribution of all its citizens, have made America’s fabric strong throughout its history.”
As you look at the work of Jose Acosta, a Cuban-American artist, he states that his creations are representational and abstract. “I paint from my heart and have fun painting. I try to show a little joy and hope in all I create.”
Jessica Diaz, who grew up in the Bronx, says she discovered her love for painting while attending SUNY New Paltz. She states that the great surrealists were her major influence but she also likes and is influenced by all art. Most of her ideas, however, come from her dreams.
Nestor Madalegoitia, one of Dutchess County’s major artists, came to the USA from Peru. In addition to the exciting originality and creativity of his paintings, Nestor has won awards and recognition from the Dutchess county Arts Council, schools, and other organizations for his exceptional murals, which have also gained him many commissions throughout the metropolitan area.
“Latino artists have been at the forefront of artistic innovations for the past six decades, including found-object sculpture, installation art, and conceptual art,” says Chon Noriega, a professor of film, television and digital media at the University of California in Los Angeles. He points out that “these artists have not been part of the historical record, museum collections, and arts education.”
The art exhibit at the Howland Cultural Center will continue through October 1. Gallery hours are 1:00 - 5:00 PM every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Pictured To The Left Artist Jose Acosta in front of his work "Falling in Love" during opening reception.

Pictured Above from Left to Right:
Josephine Monter in front of "Free Spirit"

Artist Jessica Diaz in front of her work "Girl With Big Hair" at the Howland Cultural Center.