Markeshia Ricks photo
Arte Inc. celebrated 10 years of serving the New Haven community Thursday night with food, music and dancing at an anniversary and scholarship reception.
The event was held in the City Hall atrium, where visitors could view a Heroes & Icons exhibit that Arte Inc., thanks to help of The Hispanic Federation of New York, installed in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. The exhibit, which is open to the public, features prominent Latinos including Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, acclaimed actress Rita Moreno and recently deceased word renowned fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, just to name a few.
But attendees got to witness the talents of burgeoning homegrown Latino artists at the reception where students from New Haven and Fair Haven got to show off their skills dancing, playing instruments and singing.
Odaly Solazano, a student at the John C. Daniels School, and her instructor Esther Comba, (both pictured) kicked off the performance portion of the night demonstrating the Flamenco.
Chaz Wrightington, 13, Victor Cotto-Rodriguez,12, of the Fair Haven K‑8 Guitar Ensemble, showed off their guitar skills performing with Ian Tuski of the Music in Schools Initiative.
Samuel Padilla, 12, sang his rendition of the classic “La Bamba” accompanied by Fair Haven Music Program Director Dan Kinsman on the ukulele. A $500 grant from Arte Inc. will allow the program to purchase 10 more ukuleles, which students often start learning on in preparation for playing guitar.
“La Bamba” was a popular musical choice for the evening, Juan-Pablo Rodriguez, 13, (pictured playing alto saxophone), David Rodriguez, 11, and their dad Ruben Rodriguez, shared their instrumental rendition of the song for the crowd too. Juan-Pablo is actually a trumpet player, but switched to the sax four weeks ago after he got braces, said dad Ruben. David picked up the trombone around the same time and they learned the song together. Both boys also play percussion. It helps having a dad who is a professional musician.
In its decade of existence, Arte Inc. has provided more than $62,000 in scholarships and grants for all kinds of arts and education enhancing experiences including Hispanic heritage celebrations, music lessons, college tuition and cultural trips. Arte Inc. awarded more than $5,000 in scholarships and grants Thursday night.