The West Orange Arts Council (WOAC), in collaboration with the West Orange Hispanic Foundation, hosted a lively Meet the Artists Reception on Saturday, September 20, for its Colores y Cultura Hispanic Heritage Art Exhibit at the West Orange Arts Center.
SEE MORE PHOTOS OF CELEBRATION OF HISPANIC HERITAGE WEST ORANGE, NJ
SEE MORE VIDEOS OF CELEBRATION OF HISPANIC HERITAGE WEST ORANGE, NJ
Guests were treated to an evening filled with art, music, food, and community spirit. A special thanks goes out to Fandango Latin Fusion, Benji’s Taqueria, and Palacio del Pollo, who brought the authentic flavors of the culture to life.
The reception featured live music by Fernando Dávila Alavedra, with a surprise guest appearance from performance artist and muralist Luis Ortiz, who added an extra layer of festivity.
The Colores y Cultura exhibit, on view through October 18, showcases the work of WOAC member artists: Judyann Affronti, Peter Astor, Jeanette Averbuch, Joan Carter, Felix Concepción, Amy Storfer-Durschlag, Angela Ettrick, Adrián García, Laurie Harden, Carol T. Jenkins, Cathleen McCoy Bristol, Patricia Mitrano, and Maria Savidis-Markatos.
All are invited to stop by the gallery (551 Valley Road, West Orange) during regular hours—Wednesdays 6–8 PM, Saturdays 2–4 PM, and by appointment—and to join in upcoming events:
- Lotería! Latin Game Night – Wednesday, October 1, 6–8 PM
- Mural Magic with Monet Sheard & Friends – Saturday, October 4, 1–3 PM
- Día de los Muertos: Ofrenda Workshop – Saturday, October 11, 2–4 PM
Presented by Judyann Affronti & James McParland, featuring CruDo Creates “Art Bus” sponsored by Read-Up! Book Club - Closing Reception – Thursday, October 16
Through this exhibition and its programming, WOAC celebrates the rich traditions, creativity, and cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities, while bringing neighbors together to share in the joy of art.
For more than a decade, the West Orange Arts Center has served as a creative hub for our town, contributed to the revitalization of the Valley neighborhood, elevated property values, and demonstrated that the arts are a valuable economic engine. Our community arts center has built cultural bridges by fostering hope, connection, and creativity throughout our town and local community.
The West Orange Arts Council is actively seeking community champions to help sustain and grow the arts in West Orange. Opportunities are available for businesses, organizations, and individual donors to support the West Orange Arts Center, sponsor programs, underwrite operations, or make a transformational gift.
Find out how to DONATE by emailing us from our webform page here:
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The West Orange Arts Council’s mission is to cultivate, inspire, and support the arts in West Orange. Area artists and community leaders remain the core of this all-volunteer organization that operates the West Orange Arts Center Gallery and Gift Shop at 551 Valley Road, West Orange, NJ. For more info visit www.woarts.org, www.facebook.com/woac.org or contact us.