NEW BRITAIN — Central Connecticut State University’s Latin American, Latino, and Caribbean Center (LALCC) will host its first “Latino Identity and Self-Expression Through Art” conference.
The daylong event will bring together major art collectors, Latino Studies scholars, museum professionals, art historians, students and community members to discuss Latino art and culture.
The conference is funded by a grant from CT Humanities’ America 250 CT Commission, with additional support from the Welte Society.
“We are so grateful to CT Humanities’ America 250 CT Commission for its support, and we are looking forward to a lively conversation on Puerto Rican and Latino art,” said Dr. MaryAnn Mahony, director of the LALCC. “We are happy to be able to offer this program to the public, faculty, staff and students in the central Connecticut region.”
The free, public event will take place Friday, December 5 at Hilltop Café from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Along with student presenters and performers, three featured speakers will explore the role of Latino art in the United States.
Dr. Gilberto Cardenas will serve as the keynote speaker. Cardenas is an Emeritus Professor of Sociology and the founding director of the Institute for Latino Studies at the University of Notre Dame.
The speakers’ lineup continues with Dr. Mercedes Trelles Hernandez, an associate professor of Art History at the University of Puerto Rico and curator of several major international exhibits, and Dr. Anthony de Jesus, professor of Social Work at the University of Saint Joseph and organizer of a major 2024 exhibit on Puerto Rican and Latino art.
The conference will include an exhibit of student artwork, presentations from scholars and live music.
At 3 p.m., the university will honor ceramics professor Vicente Garcia, who is retiring after 30 years at CCSU. A performance by the Connecticut salsa band Orquesta la Yunqueña will also take place.
With grant funds, the LALCC will purchase three new volumes on Latin American and Latino art for both the Center and the New Britain Public Library. The library will also host programs tied to the conference, including a display of Latino art and related books, as well as opportunities for residents to create their own artwork.
The university said free parking will be available at the Kaiser Lot on the CCSU campus.
