Running Sept. 1 through Oct. 30, the Hispanic Heritage
Month Exhibition Features Central Florida Artists

OAKLAND, FL – 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 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.
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.


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. About the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland The Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center is committed to preserving Oakland’s past, present and future. Working with its partners, the Center provides important tools and social connections to
help residents eat well, stay active and enjoy life. This project is funded in part by a $1 million lead grant from the West Orange Healthcare District, as well as funding from Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program and countless other donors. The Center supports the mission of Healthy West Orange, a grassroots movement to inspire west Orange County to become the healthiest community in the nation.

For more information, visit www.oaklandfl.gov/artsandheritage and
www.facebook.com/HWOAHatOakland.

About Artscape
Conceived by artists, wine lovers and explorers of life, Artscape is a company specializing in bringing magic and adventure to like-minded seekers and art lovers. It brings some of the best local artists to
unique experiences. Plus, it allows art enthusiasts to explore new places as they shop for art, enjoy food and more. For more information, visit www.artofescapes.com.