“I think that we’ve all been isolated because of COVID and it just seems to be getting worse, but this showcase is a way to see your friends and share your talents with them like we would normally do,” says Araceli Esparza, the founder and owner of Wisconsin Mujer. “I think what’s great about this event is that the people who attend will get this exclusive conversation with these artists who we usually get to just enjoy visually. We usually don’t ever get a chance to listen to what they have to say.”
Thirty-something Latino musicians, artists, and culinary lovers are coming together to present a three-day virtual celebration of the arts as Wisconsin Mujer hosts a virtual Latino Art Showcase titled “Tierra, Arte y Cultura en Wisconsin (Land, Art, and Culture in Wisconsin).”
“The artists will actually get a chance to sit down and talk about their art. The variety of artists that we’re going to have is exciting, too,” Esparza tells Madison365. “There’s such an incredible range and diversity of ages of the artists and the stories that they will tell and I’m excited to share it with folks.”
Wisconsin Mujer is a social engagement company dedicated to cultivating cultural content and connecting hearts in our community. “Tierra, Arte y Cultura en Wisconsin” will be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube. The virtual showcase will start on Friday, Oct. 9 and go until Sunday, Oct. 11.
“We wanted to have something that was digital and free. I think a lot of my audience lives in this space. I think we have a nice cross-section of artists and even foodies,” Esparza says. “I really like that we stretch what we consider to be Latino art. I would love to even have hairdressers.”
Esparza says that one of the goals is to “awaken your creative self through music, art, dancing, poetry and cooking” and that there will be sections for kids, adults, Spanish speakers, and cooking enthusiasts.
“I believe that creative expression empowers people and it can make a powerful contribution in their healing process,” says Veronica Figueroa, the executive director of DAMA, in a statement.
Latinx, Latino/a, Chicana/o, Hispanic, Centro American, Caribbean, and South American artists for “Tierra, Arte y Cultura en Wisconsin” will include Banda Rey y Sus Diamantes, musician Angela Puerta, musical band Golpe Tierra, WYSLO Music Makers, and Madison Poet Laureate Angela Trudell Vasquez.
Other artists that will be featured include painters Evelyn Galindo and Angelica Contreras, muralist and painter Richie Morales; painter, muralist and creator Rodrigio Carpia, muralist Shadyra Kilfoy Flores; graphic designer, fine artist and muralist Veronica Figueroa; vistual artist Araceli Contreras; painter Jessica Pankratz; poet Araceli Esparza; muralist, activist, and influencer Sirena Flores; visual and textile artist Maria Amalia Wood; Latina cook Estrella B. Chavez Galvan; personal chef Sujhey Beisser; illustrator Yosli; Ballet Folklorico de Maria Diaz, dancers Natalia Hilder and Francis Medrano; and photographer Julieta Alvarez.
Artists, in general, have struggled over the COVID-19 pandemic and this event will be an important opportunity for them to come together and support each other.
“Artists have been good at supporting each other over the pandemic. Some artists are great givers of money right back to the community,” Esparza says. “We donate what we can to take care of ourselves. But it has been a struggle. COVID has pushed many of us to the extreme but has also pushed many of us to be our very best right now.”
“Tierra, Arte y Cultura en Wisconsin” is sponsored by the American Family Social and Corporate Impact, Dane Arts, and Madison Arts Commission. To see a list of the line-up and schedule, click here.
