Museum of Latin American Art Announces Annual Gala Honorees

Building on its legacy of bringing Latin American and Latinx art to the Southern California community, the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) announced today its 26th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. Funds raised from this event support all programming at MOLAA, including the exhibitions and community education programs.

This year's LEGADO Award honorees are Legacy in the Arts: Master Artist Fernando Botero; Philanthropic Legacy: George Plá; and Community Commitment: Fundación Elias Pando.

"The LEGADO Awardees are being recognized by MOLAA this year as they embody our values of sharing profound knowledge and experience to nurture future generations of talent," said Dr. Lourdes Ramos-Rivas, CEO of MOLAA. "As one of the first museums in the United States to showcase Latin American and Latinx artists, we are excited to celebrate this special gala night with our friends and supporters."

The son of Master Artist Fernando Botero shared, "We are extremely honored to receive the LEGARDO Award, which is given to my father Maestro Fernando Botero. MOLAA is a major institution in California and highlights the importance of Latin American art in the region."

Over the years, MOLAA has become a destination spot for tourists and locals. The museum presents artist exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural festivals where they highlight the Latin American, Latinx, and diverse ethnical backgrounds that represent the local community.

Since 1996, MOLAA has showcased some of the world's popular Latin American and Latinx artists while bringing arts education directly to the community.

• More than 185 exhibitions of Latinx and Latin American Masters and up-and-coming artists.
• Mission expanded to represent Latinx art in addition to Latin American art.
• Over 1,300 artworks are in the MOLAA collection with new acquisitions.
• MOLAA serves more than 65,000 people each year.

"MOLAA offers an insight into the world of art from a different lens and perspective," said the 2022 Gala Committee Co-Chair Mario Cordero from The Port of Long Beach. "They were one of the first in the country to bring top Latin American artwork and exhibits. Today, the museum has evolved and is opening its galleries to showcase local Latinx artists. We invite everyone to come and celebrate MOLAA's accomplishments."

LEGADO Philanthropic Awardee George Pla says this of the museum, "MOLAA has a tremendous impact on the promotion of Latin American art and the cultural enrichment of the community. I am humbled to receive the LEGADO Philanthropy Award this fall at the MOLAA Gala, and am thrilled to join in celebrating MOLAA's accomplishments in advancing Latin American and Latino art in Southern California."

MOLAA thanks and recognizes the support of the sponsors who have joined the Gala celebration, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, The Port of Los Angeles, Hyundai, USC Latino Alumni Association, and the Cordoba Corporation.

To purchase a ticket or learn more about becoming a sponsor of the gala, visit https://molaa.org/molaa-gala-2022.