Latino Open House and Photo Exhibit

SOMERVILLE –  Come one and all to celebrate our city's Latino culture. Take a City Hall tour in English or Spanish and learn about city services. Then enjoy the opening reception for the exhibit, Espíritu Latino, photographic works by Salvadoran native Mario Quiroz. This photo series reflects what it means to be part of modern-day Somerville from a Latino perspective—and are a celebration of the diversity both of the city and the Hispanic community. The portraits include mechanics, business owners, cooks and families —hailing from countries including El Salvador, Colombia, Mexico, Puerto Rico and more.

“Somerville has long been a city that has welcomed immigrants, which is why on a daily basis our SomerViva Immigrant Outreach program provides information and services to some of our newest residents in their native languages. But SomerViva also aims to celebrate the diversity, creativity and contributions of our immigrant communities. This Latino photo exhibit and reception invites all to come explore Hispanic culture in Somerville, while offering an open house to welcome newcomers,” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone.

In addition to the Mario Quiroz' powerful portrait exhibit, Mexican native Estela Calzada will also display her Day of the Dead altar at this event. Also, two Oaxacan woodcarvers, Ventura and Beto Fabian, a father-son duo who occasionally give workshops in Somerville schools through the Arts Council's LCC grant program, will be doing a demo and selling their alebrijes, brightly painted fantastical creatures. El Salvador native Maura Mendoza will perform Latin jazz throughout the evening and there will be snack food – from local Latino restaurants and a few of the Arts Council's Nibble culinary entrepreneurs, Monica Sepulveda (Colombia) and Estela Calzada (Mexico).  

This event is co-sponsored by SomerViva and the Somerville Arts Council. All are welcome! For more information, please contact Irma Flores, SomerViva Spanish Language Liaison, 617-625-6600 ext. 2122 or iflores@somervillema.gov.