STUDIO MONTCLAIR PRESENTS “THE LIFE AND CULTURE OF MODERN DAY LATINIDAD”

 

The Life and Culture of Modern Day Latinidad

WHEN: November 10 to December 22, 2023. Opening Reception: Friday November 10 from 6 to 9pm. Gallery Hours: Thursday through Sunday, check our website for hours
WHERE: Studio Montclair Gallery, 127 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ
For more information, contact smi@studiomontclair.org, or call 862-500-1447.

Studio Montclair (SMI), in collaboration with The Latinos of Montclair, presents The Life and Culture of Modern Day Latinidad. SMI and The Latinos of Montclair gratefully welcome Coldwell Banker as the Presenting Sponsor. (Right: Miriam Untoria, Cubana, 2015, Clay, lace, wood, acrylic paint, 18 x 4 in.)

The Life and Culture of Modern Day Latinidad, juried by artist José Camacho, celebrates the rich visual language of Latino culture and heritage. It features the expressions of a multicultural community and its diverse tapestry of backgrounds, stories, and experiences, encompassing the works of artists, many with cultural and ancestral ties to Mexico, Argentina, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Chile, and Peru. According to Natalia Espejo of Latinos of Montclair, an “opening space for the expression and exhibition of the life and culture of modern day Latinidad has always been a goal of Latinos of Montclair! We look forward to exhibiting more artists in the future and growing our partnership with Studio Montclair.”  Nicholas Gagis, of Coldwell Banker Realty stated:  “Coldwell Banker Realty is proud to sponsor Latinos of Montclair in showcasing the diverse and multifaceted artistic expression of Latinidad. This wonderful art exhibit at Studio Montclair is celebrating the breadth of Latino culture and experiences that thrive in our local community.” (Left: David Enriquez, Soledad en la Naturaleza, 2023, Acrylic on Arches paper mounted on panel, 4 x 6 in)

Many participating artists’ statements share the sentiments of Ashley Villarreal, a Mexican-American artist,  who states, “I honor the richness of my cultural heritage by infusing my art with vibrant colors, cultural symbolism, and subtle elements of Mexican art, whether it be my use of color, textures or symbols.”

Says Phoebe Pollinger, Interim President of Studio Montclair, “Studio Montclair is privileged to collaborate with the Latinos of Montclair in mounting this marvelous exhibition which serves to uplift and highlight the Latino community. We are delighted to welcome this organization and our broader community to our gallery.”

About the Curator:

José Camacho, is a Montclair-based abstract painter with numerous one-person exhibitions throughout New Jersey to his credit along with group exhibitions in New York and Pennsylvania. He was the recipient of a 2008 Fellowship by New Jersey State Council of the Arts and a 2006 Print and Paper Fellowship from the Brodsky Center, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. (Right: Fernando Mariscal, Yesterday, 2023, Oil on canvas, 48 x 24 in)

 

About the Latinos of Montclair:

 

Latinos of Montclair is a grassroots organization in the Montclair area that seeks to unite the Latino community to promote greater visibility, celebrate cultural diversity, and encourage civic engagement. A relatively new organization, the Latinos of Montclair held approximately 10 events in 2022 culminating in a signature event at the Montclair Art Museum engaging about 500 attendees. Due to its success, programming has doubled this year along with partnerships with the Montclair Public Library and local businesses to increase diversity and engagement.

 

Participating Artists:

Judyann Affronti, Maria del Pilar Arrieta, Lisa Bal, Cathleen McCoy Bristol, Alfredo Cardenas, Virginia Carroll, Jeanette Centeno, Lisa D’Amico, Cynthia Dauzier, David Enriquez, Maria Estrela, George Eweka, Sophia Francesco, Carlos Frias, Stanley Gavidia, Madeline Giotta, Marsha Heller, Marlene Hendrian, Linda Hollinger, Radisha James, Joshua Lopez, Carmen Serrano Luna, Manuel Macarrulla, Fernando Mariscal, Lisa Marseglia-Moran, Deborah Guzman Meyer, Steffany Ojeda, Paulina Olivares, Sylvia Padilla, Nachalie Rodriguez, Buttered Roll, Fernando Roman, Manolo Salas, Catherine Thurston,Dawn Tighe, Miriam Untoria, Ashley Villarreal, Zugeiy Yepez, Jonathan Yubi. (Left: Jonathan Yubi, Intra Caetera and Inter Latinos, 2023, Oil on canvas, 44 x 29 in)

About Studio Montclair:

Studio Montclair is a nonprofit organization of exhibiting professional artists and others interested in the visual arts. Its mission is to promote culture and education in the visual arts and encourage emerging artists. Founded in 1997, the organization includes over 450 members including artists from around the United States, as well as Europe and Asia.