Art Amid COVID: West Orange Exhibit Celebrates Hispanic Culture

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A recent exhibit at the West Orange Arts Center struck a blow for coronavirus recovery while also celebrating Hispanic culture.

“Visiones de Identidad, A Latinx Perspective,” was the first in-person exhibit at the West Orange Arts Center since the gallery closed due to COVID-19 in March, organizers said.

The show, curated by Maria Estrela and Rey Arvelo, aims to celebrate Hispanic culture while featuring the work of West Orange Arts Council (WOAC) member artists from the local area.

Participating artists include Rey Arvelo, Josephine Barreiro, Alberto Bossa, Diana Candelejo, Maria Luis Estrela, Renzo Florez, Stanley Gavidia, Joanna Lopez, Carlos Mateu, Qaasim Munoz, Sylvia Padilla and Fausto Sevila.

The exhibit can be seen virtually here. Art lovers can also check out the exhibit in person until it ends on Saturday, Nov. 28, by making a reservation with the gallery. Attendees are required to social distance and wear face coverings at all times.

Learn more here.

“The arts have a way of helping create a space where everyone feels welcome and has a voice,” said Bloomfield's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Advisor Maria Estrela, who is also involved in Newark Arts and the WOAC, where she teaches collage workshops for the community.

“With the current pandemic many art organizations are using social media and other creative ways to help promote artists and to keep connected with our community,” said Reinaldo (Rey) Arvelo, who volunteers his time and talent as WOAC's gallery manager while working in the education department at the Newark Museum of Art.

“The important thing is to not dwell so much on the 'how' but to get it out there and continue to evolve,” Arvelo added.

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