Hispanic Heritage Month

September 7 through October 20, 2002 the Reading Public Museum will be recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month with exhibits, song, dance, and educational discovery talks about the Latino culture. The focus and recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month is part of the new Museum's Director/CEO Ronald Roth's vision for the Museum to be a place where visitors are inspired and learn from the diversity of human experience. Roth comments, "The Reading Public Museum holds important collections representing the rich multiplicity of Hispanic cultures worldwide. We invite visitors to enjoy these collections and experience a great month showcasing Latino culture in a variety of arts disciplines. I am especially pleased our programs will feature many people from our community."

The purpose of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15) is to teach non-Hispanics about the culture and contributions of Latinos and to celebrate Hispanic heritage. Through education, a community can develop an atmosphere of respect and appreciation for the uniqueness of others. Hispanic Americans today are identified according to the parts of the world that they or their ancestors came from, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Spain, or many of the nations of Central or South America.

The Reading Public Museum's iCelebrando! is comprised of many programs and exhibits scheduled throughout Hispanic Heritage Month. They are exciting, educational, unique and fun for all families. Some programs are free, and some are included with admission, $5 adults, $3 children 4 to 17 and Members and children under 4 are free. The Museum is open Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday 11:00am to 5:00pm; Wednesday 11:00am to 8:00pm; and Sunday 12:00 noon to 5:00pm.

iCELEBRANDO! SCHEDULE:

Latin American Artists' Photographs from the Lehigh University Collection
September 7 - October 20, 2002
Storytellers by nature, these Latin photographers will engage you with their individuality as artists. They have that unique ability to communicate the broad, rich scenario not only of the Latin American culture but also examine current social and political issues, the land, the human body, spirituality and religion. This exhibit features photographers from Peru, El Salvador, Brazil, Guatemala, Cuba, Mexico and more. Cove Gallery.

"Right Before Your Eyes" Mural by Ernesto Camacho
Weekends, September 7 - October 20, 2002
The Reading Public Museum has commissioned local artist Ernesto Camacho, a '97 graduate of Reading High School, to paint a mural depicting Latino culture and scenes featuring the Museum and its grounds. The mural, upon completion, will travel to P.A.L. and the Hispanic Center. Ernesto, an accomplished artist, traveled to southern New Jersey in the Fall of 1998 to paint a permanent mural at Ocean Point Health Care Center featuring the history of Atlantic City. Ernesto's work has been exhibited at the Institute of the Arts, Freyberger Gallery and the Berks Art Alliance Juried Show at the Reading Public Museum. He will be painting in our Auditorium Hallway on weekends and some Wednesday nights. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to see an artist at work!

Olé! Mexican Songs, Stories & Artifacts for Kids 12 and Under
Wednesday, September 25, 2002 - 7:00pm to 7:45pm
This children-oriented program will be presented in BOTH English and Spanish. Spanish teacher Lori Anewalt will delight and educate with her high energy and fascinating stories and artifacts from her many trips to Mexico as well as leading the group in authentic Mexican songs.

Latin American Gallery Discovery Talk
Sunday, October 6, 2002 - 3:00pm
Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 1:00pm
Temple University anthropology graduate student Guadalupe Rivera will delve into the fascinating connection between our significant Latin American collection and the history of Hispanics in the United States. Questions and discussion welcome. All ages. Spanish available. Free.

Raíces Folkloric Dance Group
Sunday, October 6, 2002 - 1:00pm
This local Berks County group was formed in 1992 to teach young Latinos about their cultural heritage. Their focus is to give their members the tools to battle prejudice and other social problems by helping them grow "strong roots" to stand against adversity. They perform dances from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. They specialize in Bomba, Merengue, Palo, Plena, Danza and Salsa. They have earned numerous awards and citations. Free. Outside, bring chairs. Auditorium if it rains.

Danza Tenochtli Folkloric Dances From Mexico
Sunday, October 6, 2002 - 2:15pm
This group hails from Avondale, PA and they specialize in Mexican dances from various states including Pikotas from Tamaulipas, Matlachines from Coahuila, Evangelita from Nuevo Leon and La Culebra from Jalisco. Free. Outside, bring chairs. Auditorium if it rains.

Latin Fiesta! Latin Music and Dance (See picture above).
Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 2:00pm
Latin Fiesta! is an eight-piece ensemble whose repertoire includes popular, classical and folk music from South America, Mexico, the Caribbean and Spain. This colorful group also includes a dancer, singers and percussionists who play Latin instruments from congas, maracas and bongos to the more exotic cuica friction drum, bow-like berimbau and the pau de chuva or rainstick. Their mission is to enhance the self-image of Hispanics by giving them pride in their rich and beautiful heritage, as well as to educate non-Hispanics about Latino culture. A NOT to be missed event which coincides with Discover Your Museum Day. Free. Outside, bring chairs, rain or shine.

Outstanding Hispanic Student Artwork from the Reading School District
September 7 - October 20, 2002
Auditorium Hallway.