Arts, Authentic Food Abound at Latino American Festival

Published on October 09, 2017

• Annual event honors Hispanic Heritage Month


• Arts programming offers something for all ages

Arlington celebrates some of its rich diversity at the 2017 Latino American Festival on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2-6 p.m. at Kenmore Middle School. Held annually during Hispanic Heritage Month, the event features live music and dance, dozens of artisan and community vendors, authentic Latino food, free activities for kids and plenty of live arts programming. 

Enjoy a live painting demonstration with Mexican-inspired artist and Arlington resident David Amoroso. David's paintings feature iconic portraits of everyday people as well as Mexican pop culture.

Also view a live sawdust carpet-making demonstration with Guatemalan "Alfombra" artist Ubaldo Sanchez. Ubaldo's projects have explored the rich craft-based art of Guatemala such as painted pottery, and eventually expanded to silk screen printing, sculpture and painting. Ubaldo has developed numerous murals in Arlington and the metro area as well as "Alfombras de Aserrin" (traditional colorful sawdust carpets) for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and the Richmond Folk Festival.

Arlington Public Art presents HOME@Arlington, a book- making project with Arlington-based artist Sushmita Mazumdar. Participants can create an origami-style book that encourages them to think about and respond to the bigger idea of home, which includes public art and public spaces. This project is part of the update of the Arlington's Public Art Master Plan. Adopted in 2004, the PAMP outlines a strategy for how public art will improve the quality of public spaces and the built environment in Arlington for civic placemaking.

Local henna artist Hennafy will be on site to ink designs on festival attendees. Based in Maryland, Hennafy owner Sadia Ahmed has been a henna artist for over 14 years and uses safe, organic materials suitable for guests of all ages. Limited to the first 80 guests.

Arlington County's Creative Resources staff will be on hand to lead an Aztec mask-making art project, Quetzalcoatl Masks. Quetzalcoatl was an important deity to the peoples of ancient Mexico. His name means "Feathered Serpent," and he often was pictured as a snake with feathers. They also believed him to be the god of learning, writing, books, and the calendar. Join in the fun and make your own take-home mask!

Learn more about the Latino American Festival. To participate, email lbarragan@arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-3329.