Last year marked Latino Arts Inc.‘s 30-year anniversary. Despite being around since 1985 (and formally taking root in Walker’s Point in 1997), the invaluable outlet for showcasing the work of Hispanic artists—both locally-based and hailing from various other states and Spanish-speaking countries—is only becoming more relevant with age. Recent seasons have brought Grammy-winning musicians and the work of respected contemporary artists to the space, which also makes sure to feature renderings from area creatives.
Latino Arts released its fall/winter schedule of performances this week. The end of the cultural artistic hub’s 31st year looks to be equally impressive, including mixed media assemblages, evocative illustrations, and a pair of concerts—one of them featuring the world’s foremost all-female mariachi band. Here’s Latino Arts’ full schedule of events.
Broken Dreams/Sueños Rotos by Ximena Soza
September 16 to October 14
In her Sueños Rotos (Translation: Broken Dreams) exhibit, Chilean-born artist, poet, thespian, educator, mental health advocate, and social justice crusader Ximena Soza attempts to display beauty in damaged or broken things. Her work is said to include tree branches, shards of glass, yarn, among other discarded items that come together to give new life and function to things that could have just as easily been neglected. The exhibit takes place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every weekday and costs $1 (suggested donation).
Día de los Muertos Ofrendas
October 28 to November 18
It might be scheduled to occur in accordance with this year’s Day Of The Dead (November 1), but the confines of the Latino Arts Gallery will be full of life in the form of vibrant expression. Latino Arts’ annual Day of the Dead exhibition is said to “celebrate life,” and will feature a variety of customized “ofrendas” (or altars) constructed and decorated by artists both residing in town and who hail from continents away. The exhibit takes place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every weekday and costs $1 (suggested donation).
Mariachi Flor de Toloache
November 4 (7:30 p.m. show)
Calling itself “the first and only all-female mariachi band,” Flor de Tolache formed in 2008 and quickly made a name for itself in its adopted hometown of New York—though non-native members came from Mexico, Germany, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Colombia—and recently earned a Latin Grammy nomination. Now a 13-piece (!), this November show could be your only shot to see the world’s biggest and best exclusively-female mariachi act play a show in Milwaukee. General admission tickets are $15 in advance ($20 door) or $25 ($30 door) for dinner and a show.
Blue Medley – Flor De Toloache from Andy Averbuch on Vimeo.
Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet
December 2 (7:30 p.m. show)
With Peruvian-born trumpeter and NYU music faculty member Gabriel Alegria, the modern jazz mainstay’s eponymous member leads a project that infuses the distinctly-American genre with a dash of Afro-Latin flare. Despite its disparate influences, the Afro-Peruvian sextet makes music that’s accessible to mainstream audiences and stanch jazz listeners alike. General admission tickets are $15 in advance ($20 door) or $25 ($30 door) for dinner and a show.
Pastoral Testimony by Rafael Francisco Salas
December 2 to February 28
Illustrator Rafael Francisco Salas quite literally draws a bold line between man and machine, the imposition of humanity and the inherent beauty of nature, structure and scenery. Salas’ “Pastoral Testimony” examines those caustic relationships. The opening reception is December 2 at 5 p.m. and runs through the end of February. The exhibit takes place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every weekday and costs $1 (suggested donation).