WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the West Orange Arts Council. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.
The West Orange Arts Council (WOAC) presents Unidos Juntos de Nuevo (United Together Again) an art exhibition in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month. Together we celebrate our multicultural community with a diverse tapestry of art about our backgrounds, stories, and experiences. This exhibit, installed by gallerist Rey Arvelo, features the works of Judyann Affronti, Peter Astor, Victor Cuya, Lyman Dally, Mary Franklin, Stanley Gavidia, Kathleen Heron, Carol T. Jenkins, Chris Mauro, Cathleen McCoy Bristol, Frank Niccoletti, Sylvia Padilla, Giselle Reyes Jimenez, Linda Strobert, & Juan Yusa.
Unidos Juntos de Nuevo can be viewed through Oct. 26, 2024, by appointment at the West Orange Arts Center on 551 Valley Road, West Orange. The community is invited to a free Artists’ Reception on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the West Orange Arts Center.
See work from Sylvia Padilla (of Puerto Rican and Ecuadorian heritage) which incorporates Pre-Columbian references. Hugo Stanley Gavidia Tolentino (El Salvador) seeks insight into the truth through an exaltation of the mind or the soul. Giselle Reyes Jimenez presents postcards of her memories of Cuba, delicately and poetically drawn on old rice paper from the island. Inspired by the traditional arts of central Mexico, Judyann Affronti’s felt collages are her interpretations of Huichol and Tejuantepec embroidery, Jalatlaco street art, Zapotec alebrijes, Talavera pottery, and Teotitlan rug weaving. The warmth of emotion exudes from the canvas of the “Innocence” series by Victor Cuya.
Additional exhibit-related programs being planned are a healing arts workshop, an Indigenous Peoples Day Film Screening, Latin Dance Lessons and After Party, and an oral history presentation. Some activities are partnered by the West Orange Hispanic Foundation and West Orange Councilwoman Tammy Williams.
The WOAC Gift Shop will highlight hand-crafted home accents and bath products as well as specifically created and selected exhibit-related items, jewelry, pottery, and one-of-a-kind pieces.
The West Orange Arts Council’s mission is to cultivate, inspire, and support the arts in West Orange and its vicinity. Area artists and community leaders remain the core of this all-volunteer organization that operates the West Orange Arts Center Gallery and Gift Shop at 551 Valley Road, West Orange, NJ. For more info visit www.woarts.org, www.facebook.com/woac.org or email info@woarts.org
This program is made possible partly by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and administered by the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs and the New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund.
Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here.
