Fiesta Cultural
It’s Fiesta Cultural time! Now in its second year, this Latino arts extravaganza—co-sponsored by the Lane Arts Council and the City of Eugene, and supported by a host of community organizations—is adding big spice to its usual September entertainment offerings.
“Events like this,” says Trevor Whitbread of Centro Latino Americano, “are an affirmation of Latino, or pan-American, identity—pieces of Caribbean, Mexican, or Central American and South American culture. But also, for people who are not Latino, the events offer enjoyable experiences that help them realize that immigrants bring assets to our community.”
Eugene’s First Friday ArtWalk will launch the Fiesta with a host of Latino arts–related events downtown that include a stage performance in Kesey Square featuring the hot Seattle salsa dance band Carlos Cascante y su Tumbao. A gallery show of local Latino paintings and graphic arts will kick off in the nearby Broadway Commerce Center; the centerpiece of the show will be the Living Threads exhibit by Oregon photographer Eric Mindling, featuring powerful images of the arts and culture of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Other art walks during September will add greater variety to the mix. For example, the South Willamette walk on the second Saturday—coordinated by Guatemalan sculptor and studio owner Marina Herrera—offers kid- and family-oriented afternoon activities like a mural painting event followed by an evening of Latino-flavored music and literature at multiple small business sites on outer Willamette Street.
But it doesn’t stop there! There’s also Latin dance, rope tricks, textile arts, pottery, and Flamenco guitar. Give an evening to the Springfield Art Walk. Or the one in Cottage Grove.Mark your calendar with special events at Eugene Library locations. Or drop in on the Cuba Ocho exhibition at the Schnitzer.
Hay tanto que ver y hacer! Check out lanearts.org for particulars and ongoing updates about Fiesta Cultural events.
