Issue date: 9/18/08

VCU launched Hispanic Heritage Month Monday with Latino melodies being strummed on acoustic guitars, local Latino artists displaying their work and the aroma of delicious Latino food filling the University Student Commons Student Art Gallery. The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs in collaboration with La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. and Sigma Lambda Upsilon Sorority, Inc. hosted the event.

The month-long celebration reflected the perspective of young Latino painting and printmaking majors Sandra Cornejo, Jasmin Merida and Sabrina Recabarren, kinetic imaging major Mauricio Escamilla; illustration major Pablo Ruiz and illustrator and poet Daniel Jose Custodió.

The artwork reflected the artists' native cultures: Cornejo, Escamilla and Merida from El Salvador, Recabarren from Chile, Ruiz from Bolivia and Custodió from Brazil.

A painting by Pablo Ruiz titled "Immigration" struck the eye of Roberto Jamora, a painting and printmaking major. The painting illustrates a mother holding her baby over a wired fence.

"I think a lot of people can identify and relate with this portrait … it reminds you of the larger historical context of immigration," Jamora said.

Ruiz said it was important to demonstrate the sacrifice Hispanic parents make to provide their children with a better life.

The participating artists agreed it was important for cultures to celebrate their differences and avoid ignorance of other cultures.

Daniel Jose Custodió, a member of the poetry group Slam Nahuatl performed three poems.

Custodió said it was important to spread knowledge of Hispanic culture during Hispanic Heritage Month.

"We have to educate not only non-Latinos, but young Latinos as well … to come together and reinforce one culture," Custodió said.

Delmy Hernandez, president of Sigma Lambda Upsilon Sorority, Inc. and a international studies and Spanish major said it was important to be aware of one's culture.

"I think it is important to know where you come from because if not, you don't know who you really are," said Hernandez.

The art displays will be up in the University Student Commons Student Art Gallery until Sept. 20.

For more information about other events visit www.omsa.vcu.edu.