Arte Latino Exhibition at Mills Pond Gallery August 22–Sept 23, 2009; Soly Sombra Performance August 22

(Long Island, N.Y.) Latino artists take center stage in Arte Latino at the Mills Pond House Gallery August 22 – September 23, 2009. Viewers will experience unique views of Latino artistic expression that reflect the diversity of the Latino community in the United States. The gallery is located at 660 Route 25A, St. James, NY. Gallery hours: Monday through Friday 10 am – 5 pm and Saturday and Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm.

The exhibit includes twenty-one artists who draw their inspiration from a broad range of themes, from immigration to politics, cultural assimilation and family values. The artists hail from California, Texas, Ohio, Missouri, Michigan, Kentucky, Maine, New Jersey and New York.  Five Long Island artists are represented.  The work presents a snapshot of the rich customs and traditions that their cultures (Cuba, Puerto Rico, Panama, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Spain) have woven into their American lives.
 
The exhibition opening reception will be held on Saturday, August 22 from 4:30 – 6:30 pm and the public is invited to view the exhibition and meet the exhibiting artists (admission is free).

Following the reception will be a special presentation by Sol y Sombra Spanish Dance Company at 7 pm. Two Flamenco guitarists and a Flamenco singer interpret songs that reflect the difficulty, dignity, forbearance and hopes of the outsider in a new land and culture.  Dancers Maria Loreta Celitan and Ricardo Santiago will perform a variety of dances of this fascinating Spanish Art Form.
 
The guitar was the voice that gave expression to the sorrow, challenges & victories faced by the Spanish gypsy as they struggled to find their place in a new land – Artist Pura Cruz uses the guitar to symbolize the parallel experience of the Hispanic immigrants as they struggle to assimilate into American society today.  Her series “Border Wall” will be on display as part of the Arte Latino Exhibition (Opening reception 4:30-6:30) Admission to Sol y Sombra at 7 pm is free but seating is very limited and advance reservations are required.

For more information or to reserve seating, call 631-862-6575. You can also visit the Smithtown Township Arts Council  website at www.stacarts.org.

Participating Artists:

• Demetrio Alfonso West New York NJ
• Diane Arellano Los Angeles CA
• Joycelyn Bila Nesconset NY
• Mariana Castro De Ali Elk Grove CA
• Gil Corral Biddeford ME
• Pura Cruz Coram NY
• Michi Jigarjian New York NY
• Belenna Lauto Hickville NY
• Antonia Layton Great Neck NY
• Gregory Liffick Ontario CA
• Gustavo Lucin Brentwood NY
• Stella Marroquin Cibolo TX
• Fermin Mendoza Cedar knolls NJ
• Nora – Chapa Mendoza West Bloomfield MI
• Marie-Elena Ottman Crestwood KY
• Gabriela Pickett-Mosier Dayton OH
• Ramon Ramirez Pico Rivera CA
• Evelyn Ramos Setauket NY
• Fabio Rodriguez Arnold MO
• Jose Romero Jr. East Lansing MI
• Kenneth Verdugo Lewisville TX
• Chris Vivas Ronkonkoma NY
• Peter Wang Jersey City NJ

Smithtown Township Arts Council is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization