Since 1985, Latino Arts Inc. has been an invaluable means of showcasing Hispanic artists, musicians, dancers, and other beacons of cultural expression. Last fall, Latino Arts brought a reigning Grammy Award winner La Santa Cecilia to its auditorium. While, this autumn doesn’t see anyone toting brand new trophies to Milwaukee, the season schedule features an eclectic assemblage of artists specializing in a variety of mediums, as well as some internationally recognized talent. Here’s how Latino Arts will conclude its 30th year.
Contemporary Flatweave Rooted In Legacy
September 11 to October 14
Latino Arts’ final summer exhibit continues into autumn, as the weaving work of Wence Martinez, who adapts paintings made by his wife Sandra in their Door County studio. The pair were bonded by a respected for eachother’s work, which began in 1988 when Sandra was based in Milwaukee and Wence was living in Oaxaca, Mexico. Their international collaboration eventually turned into love, resulting in Wence relocating to Wisconsin and more than 25 years of beautiful work.
Day Of The Dead Ofrendas
October 28 to November 20
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.
Villalobos Brothers
November 6
New York (by way of Xalapa, Mexico) band Villalobos Brothers specialize in violin-driven world music with a subtle jazz and classical music influence. A month after celebrating its 10th anniversary, the six-piece band (three of which are siblings) will bring the sounds of Xalapa to the Latino Arts Auditorium for one night only.
Adonis Puentes & The Voice of Cuba Orchestra
Friday, December 4
Cuban musician Adonis Puentes melds elements of salsa, son, jazz, and roots music into one package that’s palatable to audiences the world over. Accompanied by The Voice of Cuba Orchestra, the internationally known bandleader will warm up Southeastern Wisconsin with Cuban-harvested vibrancy that’s been called “as emotive as it is danceable.”
Gardens, Gods & Grids: Retracing Nature, Culture & Infrastructure In The Americas
December 4 to February 26
Alverno art professor and RedLine Milwaukee mentor Dana Larson combines photographic imagery culled from years and years of travel in North America, Central America, and South America with a artistic modifications enacted to express a worldview.