OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – ArteLatinx, an art exhibition at El Museo Latino, is highlighting Hispanic and Latino art and experiences from across the Great Plains during Hispanic Heritage Month.
ArteLatinx is a biennial event put on by the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Office of Latino/Latin American Studies, known as OLLAS. It brings together artists from across the region.
This year’s exhibition is titled “Aqui Estamos y No Nos Vamos,” meaning “We are here and we are not leaving.”
Omaha-based Mexican-Puerto Rican artist William Arce is among the artists featured.
“We are fighters, we are poets, we are artists, our very nature is to create,” Arce said.
“We make it more vibrant. We make it happier with our food, our music, our culture, just the way we are,” Arce said.
Artists describe meaning behind exhibition theme
Arce said the exhibition’s title holds deep meaning for many of the artists.
“Success in this country should not have to come at the expense of losing who you are. You can be unapologetically Latino,” Arce said.
“We are in the Midwest. We’re in the Great Plains. We’re in Alaska. We’re in Washington. We’re in Idaho. We’re in all places you’ll never think of. And I think that it doesn’t matter where we go. When Latinos live in a community, we enrich it so well,” Arce said.
Arce said nature and his indigenous roots inspire his art.
“I hope that people can look at my work and see someone that really loves who they are,” Arce said.
Event aims to showcase community and culture
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 16% of Omaha’s population is Hispanic or Latino.
Event chair Adrian Duran told First Alert 6 in a statement that during a time of division and vilification of the Latino community, ArteLatinx offers a place of community and celebration.
Anna Orozco, community engagement coordinator for OLLAS, said the exhibition has a broader goal.
“We are not only trying to showcase Latino artwork, but we’re trying to showcase that arts in general is something that Omaha should be proud of,” Orozco said.
The exhibition is on display until Friday at El Museo Latino. You can find community engagement opportunities through OLLAS here.
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