2011 State Latin American Art Exhibit at the Atrium Gallery New Visions New Curators Series

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts presents the "2011 State Latin American Art Exhibit" at the Atrium Gallery @ One Capitol Hill. This exhibit is part of the New Visions New Curators Program.

Curator: Tony Aristy

Curator Bio: Fine artist, designer, art programs director, cultural activist. Born in Dominican Republic, where at the age of 12 he began assisting the School of Fine Arts for the youth with Professor Jose Nicholas Jimenez in his hometown of San Juan. In 1979 assisted at the National Fine Arts School “Borgela Palace” in Santo Domingo, and the workshops of Alberto Bass and Pedro Cespedes, graduating in 1984. From 1988 to the present time, Tony evolved into a recognized global artist, participating in numerous worldwide exhibitions and other cultural manifestations.

Participating Artists: Andres Chaparro, Astrid, Balam Soto, Carlos Alvarez, Carlos Munguia, Carlos Ochoa, Ciriaco Herrero, Claire Eder, David Fleurant, Escarlate Salvatierra, Zenon Sansuste, Fernando Antezana, Iris F. Donnelly, Mario Gonzalez, Mimerfiz, Nicolas Tolentino, Paul Mercado, Reynier Ferrer, Santos P. Martinez, Sidney Tillett, Tamara Diaz

Special Recognition: Cheryl Burrell, Tony Mendez, Victor Cuenca, Betty Ramirez, Esther Eder Garcia, Lizeth Gutierre, Mabel Martinez, Latina 100.3, Silaphone Nhongvongsouthy, Gladys Corvera, Sussy de Leon, Emelda Benitez, Hector Gomez, Kim Gelfuso, RImix.com

Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill
Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) developed the Atrium Gallery to recognize talented artists from communities throughout the state. The Atrium Gallery hosts multidisciplinary exhibitions in partnership with diverse artists and cultural organizations. The gallery features a stunning tall glass ceiling with light that cascades into an open space surrounded by three walls of artwork. This has become a destination point for visitors and the many people who frequent the Administration offices at One Capitol Hill, while enriching the environment for hundreds of state workers in the building.

State Latin American Art Exhibit
The Latin American Art Exhibition showcases the exquisite artwork and cultural diversity that exists among the diverse countries throughout Latin America. Artists are dedicated to preserving and showcasing their culture and heritage though traditional and contemporary artforms. Receptions often include music, dance, and poetry to compliment the exhibit. In 2002, the Latin American Art Exhibit was created in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Administration Human Resources Outreach and Diversity (HROD) Office.

New Visions/New Curators Program
The Atrium Gallery encourages the development of new curators and gallery directors from diverse communities through the New Visions/New Curators Program. Artists of color are provided logistical support to curate a show by defining a theme, professionally installing the artwork, and creating marketing materials that promote the exhibit. Previous participants have curated exhibitions in local and regional galleries and museums. This highly successful program has become an incubator for new curators that promote viewpoints and voices of artists of color.

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is a state agency supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders. To learn more visit www.arts.ri.gov