CafeLatino Radio&TV

08/19/2026

Join us for the opening Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Voices Through Visuals

This exhibition celebrates the creativity, diversity, culture, traditions, memories, families, and artistic voices of Hispanic and Latino artists throughout the DMV.

Artist awards will be selected by renowned Cuban-American artist, curator, and art critic Lenny Campello, one of the most respected voices in the DMV arts community.

📅 Exhibition:
September 4–26, 2026

Opening September
4 at 7:00 pm

📍 Del Ray Artisans Gallery
2704 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA

Please share with fellow artists!

DMVArtists AlexandriaVA LatinoArt HispanicArt ContemporaryArt ArtistOpportunity VisualArts CommunityArt LennyCampello ArtCall

08/16/2026

08/03/2026

Hispanic heritage month During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the countless contributions of more than 60 million Hispanic Americans to our culture and society. Hispanic Americans are the largest minority group in the United States today, and generations of Hispanic Americans have consistently helped make our country strong and prosperous. They contribute to our Nation beyond description. Hispanic Americans embody the best of our American values, including commitment to faith, family, and country. They serve in our military and protect us as members of law enforcement. In fact, Hispanic Americans make up half of our Border Patrol agents. The Hispanic-American community has left an indelible mark on our government, culture, and economy.

As part of our commitment to promoting the success of Hispanic Americans, my Administration will always promote educational opportunity for our Nation’s Hispanic-American communities. Hispanic Americans benefit greatly from school choice programs, including the Nation’s largest school choice program in Florida, where more than one-third of the recipients are Hispanic-American students. No American student should ever be trapped in a failing public school or a school that does not meet his individual needs. Additionally, we have spurred the creation of more than 16 million education and training opportunities through our Pledge to the American Worker.

My Administration is also working to increase economic opportunities for Hispanic Americans by providing pathways to in-demand jobs and investing in Hispanic-American communities. On July 9, 2020, I signed an Executive Order to establish the White House Hispanic Prosperity Initiative to promote educational and workforce development, encourage private-sector action and public-private partnerships, and to monitor how Federal programs best provide opportunities for Hispanic Americans. Additionally, this Executive Order established the President’s Advisory Commission on Hispanic Prosperity, which is dedicated to advising my Administration on ways to improve access to educational and economic opportunities for the Hispanic-American community. This year, my Adm

07/26/2026

Interview with Laura Ramirez-Drain

Curator of Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Voices Through Visuals

Del Ray Artisans, Alexandria, Virginia

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Interviewer: Laura, what inspired you to organize an exhibition celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month?

Laura Ramirez-Drain:
I wanted to create a space where Hispanic and Latino artists—and the stories they tell through their artwork—could be celebrated and appreciated. Throughout history, many talented artists and cultural voices have not always received the recognition they deserve. This exhibition is an opportunity to honor those voices, celebrate our heritage, and invite the entire community to experience the richness, resilience, and diversity of Hispanic and Latino cultures through art.

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Interviewer: Why did you choose Del Ray Artisans as the venue for this exhibition?

Laura Ramirez-Drain:
Del Ray Artisans has always opened its doors to diversity and inclusion. Located in Alexandria, one of the most diverse communities in Northern Virginia, it has been an important part of the local arts community since 1992. I have been a member of Del Ray Artisans for the past three years, ever since I returned to painting, and they have supported both my artistic journey and many other artists. Their commitment to welcoming artists from all backgrounds made it the perfect place to host this exhibition.

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Interviewer: How are you engaging the Hispanic community and others interested in Hispanic art to participate in this event?

Laura Ramirez-Drain:
I’m reaching out with open arms. I’ve been promoting the exhibition through social media, connecting with Hispanic organizations, cultural groups, embassies, community leaders, and local artists throughout the DMV. I also want people who simply love art to feel welcome. Whether you’re an artist, a collector, or someone who enjoys learning about different cultures, this exhibition is for you. My goal is to create an event where everyone feels represented and inspired.

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Interviewer: Is the exhibition open to everyone? How can artists participate?

Laura Ramirez-Drain:
Absolutely! The exhibition is open to artists of all backgrounds. We welcome artwork inspired by the culture, traditions, resilience, and stories of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Artists can submit their work digitally until August 10, 2026. The exhibition will be on display from September 4 through September 26, 2026, at Del Ray Artisans Gallery in Alexandria, Virginia.

Artwork can be submitted here:

https://form.jotform.com/261717867083164

The Opening Reception will take place on Friday, September 4, from 7:00–9:00 p.m., and everyone is invited to attend.

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Interviewer: Is there a particular artist in the DMV whom you admire?

Laura Ramirez-Drain:
Absolutely. I have great admiration for F. Lennox Campello. He is one of the most respected Cuban-American artists, curators, and art critics in the Washington metropolitan area. His dedication to supporting artists and promoting the visual arts has had a tremendous impact on our community. It is an honor to have him serve as the judge for our exhibition. His experience and artistic vision bring tremendous credibility and inspiration to this event.

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Interviewer: Who are some of the most influential artists in Hispanic and Latino art?

Laura Ramirez-Drain:
There are so many extraordinary artists who have transformed the history of art. Some of the most influential include Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera from Mexico; Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Joan Miró from Spain; Fernando Botero from Colombia; Wifredo Lam from Cuba; Joaquín Torres García from Uruguay; Oswaldo Guayasamín from Ecuador; and Roberto Matta from Chile.

Each of these artists brought a unique vision to the world and continues to inspire generations of artists, including many of us today.

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Interviewer: What do you hope visitors will take away from this exhibition?

Laura Ramirez-Drain:
I hope visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of Hispanic and Latino cultures. Art has the power to connect people beyond language, nationality, or background. If someone leaves feeling inspired, having learned something new, or seeing our community in a different light, then we have accomplished our mission. This exhibition is not just about displaying artwork—it’s about celebrating people, preserving culture, and building bridges through creativity.