- April 19, 2024
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Artist Joe Pardo, in black, discusses his artwork with Oakland Town Commissioner Sal Ramos, the first Hispanic to serve on the commission.
All of Joe Pardo’s paintings have an interesting story to tell.
Lynn Dattolo, left, Renee Mullen and Tammy Pedatella-Polland assisted at the town’s opening of the Hispanic heritage art exhibit.
Ralph Aguirre’s art features bright colors and distinct lines.
Guests admired the various works created by local artists.
The ATTO Music Project wowed event-goers with their eclectic mix of jazz, rock and Latin music.
Nelson Cardenas likes to use scraps of wood, metal and leather for his canvases.
Guests admired the various works created by local artists.
Guests admired the various works created by local artists.
Guests admired the various works created by local artists.
Sara Burr’s paintings incorporate the Dia de los Muertos theme.
Nelson Cardenas paid tribute to Cantinflas, a celebrated Mexican comedian, in this painting.
Guests admired the various works created by local artists.
An exhibition featuring the works of Hispanic artists in Central Florida — and including some in West Orange County — opened to a record crowd Friday, Sept. 17, at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland.
The exhibit, “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage,” is cosponsored by Artscape, which also is selling the artwork. Four featured artists, Marisela Rodriguez, Jose Pardo, Ralph Aguirre and Nelson Cardenas, take the everyday life of the Hispanic culture and capture it on canvas.
Another artist, Sara Burr, pays tribute to “Dia de los Muertos,” or Day of the Dead, in her vibrant pieces. Other local artists invited to participate are Anna Brunelli, James Chonody, Lliana Jimenez, Daniel Longman, Violeta Militaru, Sapphire Servellon, Deborah Smith and Christine Wallbom.
The Friday-night event included live music on the porch by the ATTO Music Project, a local band that blurs the lines between jazz, rock and Latin music. A Latin food truck with authentic dishes was set up out front.
Mayor Kathy Stark and the Oakland Town Commission proclaimed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, 2021, as Hispanic Heritage Month in Oakland. The Town of Oakland has a population of 3,014 with 13.9% of the residents being Hispanic or Latino in origin. The exhibition was conceived by Oakland Town Commissioner Sal Ramos, who was elected in 2015.
“As the first Hispanic commissioner in the history of the town of Oakland, I’m honored to represent Oakland’s residents including our growing Hispanic community,” Ramos said. “I’m thrilled that the town is showcasing our rich Hispanic heritage through the arts, music and food in a way that brings the entire community together at Oakland’s cultural gem, the Arts and Heritage Center.”
The artwork will remain on display at the center through Oct. 30.
The Arts and Heritage Center, 126 Petris Ave., is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays throughout September and October.
