Latino Arts provides sights, sounds for Hispanic Heritage Month

MILWAUKEE is closer to Canada than Latin America, but the city’s growing Hispanic community is a major contributor to the ethnic flavor of the city that prides itself on its cultural diversity.

Almost 100,000 Milwaukee area residents hail from nearly every Spanish-speaking culture on the globe, including Mexico, Puerto Rico and Cuba, as well as Latin countries throughout Central and South America. . From the thrilling span of architect Santiago Calatrava's Brise Soleil at the Milwaukee Art Museum to the vibrant Latino neighborhoods just south of downtown, a Spanish accent today is a noticeable element in a city once known for its German, Polish, Italian and Irish communities. 

In an effort to support and spread Hispanic cultural awareness, Latino Arts, Inc. has become the area's pre-eminent source for artistic and educational experiences from throughout the Spanish-speaking world. Located in the United Community Center/Centro de   Communidad  Unida, 1028 S. Ninth St., Latino Arts has offered classes, concerts, performances, and art exhibits for several years, sharing opportunities for cultural enrichment not only within the Latino community, but to greater Milwaukee as well.

September marks Latino Arts' high point of the year – the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. A national observance designated by Congress in 1988, Hispanic Heritage Month begins on Sept. 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua – and concludes Oct. 15.

This year, Latino Arts has scheduled an exciting lineup of activities, exhibits, and performances to mark the celebration.  And every resident and visitor to Milwaukee is invited:

Friday, Sept. 16, 5 to 8 p.m.
Milwaukee Art Museum
Start the fiesta with a gala reception in honor of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin and Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker. Enjoy cocktails, comidas, and conversation under the wings of a Spanish masterpiece. Admission is free, courtesy of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which is holding its annual convention in Milwaukee this year.

Saturday, Sept. 17
Sierra at the Symphony
Celebrate the debut of a brand new work by Roberto Sierra when the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra premieres the renowned Puerto Rican composer's Symphony No. 3. Preceding the performance, enjoy a selection of fine rums and innovative cuisine from some of the area's top Hispanic restaurants, as Latino Arts hosts a meet-the-artist reception in the elegant lobby of the 1000 North Water building. The talented youngsters of Latino Arts' Mariachi Juvenil ensemble also will make an appearance. Tickets are $50, and include both the reception and the concert.

Friday, Sept. 23
Legendary Latino Artists 
Come to the Latino Arts Auditorium and Gallery at 1028 S. Ninth St. for a full evening featuring two legendary figures from Latin America: Mexico's abstract visionary Leonardo  Nierman and Venezuela's beloved singer   Simón Díaz.

From 5 to 7 p.m., Latino Arts will mark the opening of its latest exhibit, a selection of paintings and sculptures by Mexican Jewish artist Leonardo Nierman. A scientist and mathematician by training,  Nierman has translated his dreams and theories into rich bursts of color and elegantly designed forms for over 50 years. Today, his works are in numerous public and private collections throughout the world. Admission to this reception is free.

At 7 p.m., the Latino Arts Auditorium will ring with the lilting sounds of Venezuela's llanero (cowboy) tradition as the style's modern master,   Simón Díaz, makes a rare Midwestern appearance. Now in his late seventies, he still wins hearts and applause with his clear voice, evocative songs, and avuncular stage presence. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $10 for students.

To reserve or purchase tickets for any of these performances, contact Latino Arts, Inc. at 414-384-3100. For more information on the performers or to reserve tickets online, visit www.latinoartsinc.org.

The Latino Arts Hispanic Heritage Celebration is made possible thanks to sponsorships from Miller Brewing Company, Northwestern Mutual and Catholic Knights.