Arte Hispano will be coming to the Lake Charles Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center from Friday, Dec. 9 to Saturday, Feb. 4. This exhibition will bring a thoughtful and emblematic display of Hispanic culture to Southwest Louisiana.

The exhibit was inspired by the powerful impact of  “a prayerful performance on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary” that was performed at St. Henry Catholic Church at this year’s Good Friday mass, according to Ricardo Ruvalcaba Spanish Pastoral Assistant at St. Henry. He explained that the experience was shared between 100 participants that he hopes can be replicated through the exhibit.

“This experience shared a beautiful message that benefited the St. Henry community, and we want to continue sharing our talents with the great city of Lake Charles,” he said. “We believe that culture matters and art is a way to unite, share and encourage contemplation that helps our spiritual life.”

Ruvalcaba stated that Hispanic art spans many practices, including music, dance, painting, singing and theater. He treats sharing cultural art as a civic duty. “We want to share our art in Southwest Louisiana because all of us are called to share our talents and gifts in our communities,” he said. “It is an honor and a pleasure to share our traditions and artistic expression in the state of Louisiana, which has given us so many blessings.”

He expressed his appreciation of Cajun culture. “The diversity of countries in our Hispanic community is like a melting pot of culture and traditions,” he said. “We love the culture of the Cajun people and the story of how they came to Louisiana and shared their music, food and traditions with others.”

For Ruvalcaba, it is only fair that the Latino community share their culture in return. “We want to do the same, and at the opening on December 9, you will be able to learn about our art, dances and cuisine.”

There will be over 100 pieces on display, created by 11 local artists that originate from five different countries. Artist include:

Patricia Suarez, Venezuela; Gisselle Gonzalez, Bolivia; Samantha Espinosa, Ecuador; Martin Garzon, Colombia; and, from Mexico, Luciano Neira, Jesus Neira, Eli Vargas, Sofia Legros, Erik Guerrero, Badiha Galeazzi and Ricardo Ruvalcaba.

On display will be paintings in oil, acrylic and pencil, photography and multi-medium sculptures. Ruvalcaba stated that in alignment with Hispanic art, the pieces will be characterized by “abundant colors, landscapes, cacti, typical costumes, day of the dead skulls… but especially for its originality.”

He mentioned that patrons of the exhibit will get the opportunity to view standout pieces made by artists with disabilities. “The most outstanding art that we are going to exhibit is the art made by our 4 Hispanic artists who are special needs with different abilities,” he explained. “Some of them may not be able to express themselves with words, but they can express themselves in their art.”

Arte Hispano will have an opening reception on Friday, December 9 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the 1st floor gallery. At the reception will be entertainment -Guadalupe dancers, singers, traditional dancing-, live DJ-lex music and authentic hispanic cuisine.

This is the inaugural Hispanic Art Exhibit at the Historic City Hall. Ruvalcaba stated that any Hispanic artists who are interested in joining the next exhibition can contact him by calling St. Henry at 337.436.7223.

Admission to the reception and exhibition are free.