Last fall, Walker’s Point institution Latino Arts Inc. enjoyed an especially strong season, which was punctuated with a sold-out performance by reigning Grammy winners and one-time NPR “Tiny Desk” concert series participants La Santa Cecilia. Wednesday, the artistic hub—which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Milwaukee—announced its spring exhibitions. While the schedule is lacking Grammy-level musicians this time around, the gallery has managed to round up a wealth of local and international talent of all ages and skill levels to bring their musical and visual renderings to 9th street spanning from March into the summer months.
Visiones Tomando Vuelo by Vivian Vivas (March 13 – May 22)
Once paintings from Pacia Sallomi’s Tango Colores exhibit (which runs through February 27) are removed, the gallery walls will be devoted to the work of Venezuelan-born photographer Vivian Vivas. Visiones Tomando Vuelo translates to “visions taking flight” in English. Fittingly, Vivas’ photography is said to a “study of culture, nature, and wildlife” that has local significance, as many of the (primarily avian) photographs featured in the exhibit were captured at the semi-nearby Horicon Marsh Wildlife Refuge in Mayville.
Grupo Rebolú (March 13 at 7:30 p.m.)
An ode to the music of coastal Colombians of African descent, Grupo Rebolú is a band started by childhood friends Ronald Polo and Morris Cañate. The musical homage to their cultural duality, the band’s songs are rich in tradition and conducive to movement. Tickets for the two-hour show are $15 general admission (or $8 for senior citizens and full-time students).
The Big Idea III: Envisioning (June 25 – August 25)
As Arte Para Todos has stressed recently, fostering artistic expression in young people is an invaluable asset to our future. In that same spirit, Latino Arts will yield wall space for The Big Idea III: Envisioning. The third iteration of The Big Idea “showcases the artistic knowledge and skill of Bruce-Guadalupe Elementary and Middle School students in 3rd through 8th grades” and will display the progress of students over the course of the 2014-15 school year. Yes, this is technically summer, but it’s worth highlighting.
All Latino Arts exhibitions are open to the public weekdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with an entry cost of just $1.