The Town of Oakland is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by showcasing artists who have found ways to bring Hispanic heritage alive in their works on display at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland, starting Sept. 1 and running through Oct. 30. The Town welcomes the community to an opening night event with live music and a food truck from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17 at the Center.

As part of the “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage” exhibition, co-sponsored by Artscape, Central Florida area featured artists, Marisela Rodriguez, Jose Pardo, Ralph Aguirre and Nelson Cardenas take the everyday life of the Hispanic culture and transform it into enchanting and lively masterpieces. Plus, Sara Burr draws attention to the beauty and vibrant colors of “Dia de los Muertos,” or Day of the Dead, a multi-day holiday where families gather to remember loved ones that have passed away. Other artists include Anna Brunelli, James Chonody, Lliana Jimenez, Daniel Longman, Violeta Militaru, Sapphire Servellon, Deborah Smith and Christine Wallbom.

The opening event will feature the ATTO Music Project, a local band that mixes the lines between jazz, edgy rock and Latin music, playing on the porch and a Latin food truck with authentic dishes available for purchase.

Mayor Kathy Stark and the Oakland Town Commission proclaimed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, 2021 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Oakland. During this month, the Town will pay tribute to the dedication and service of Hispanic and Latinx Floridians for their efforts to improve the State of Florida and pave the way for future generations of leaders. Florida has the third-largest population of Hispanic people in the nation, with more than four million diverse residents within the Sunshine State. The Town of Oakland has a population of 3,014 with 13.9% of the residents being Hispanic or Latino in origin. The exhibition was conceived by Oakland Town Commissioner Sal Ramos, who was elected in 2015.

“As the first Hispanic commissioner in the history of the Town of Oakland, I’m honored to represent Oakland’s residents including our growing Hispanic community,” said Commissioner Ramos. “I’m thrilled that the Town is showcasing our rich Hispanic heritage through the arts, music and food in a way that brings the entire community together at Oakland’s cultural gem, the Arts and Heritage Center.”

The Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout September and October.