LAKEWOOD RANCH — Through the vibrant paintings of about a dozen artists collected for “Latin Art Comes to the Ranch,” one can take a rewarding and entertaining stroll through a richly diverse world.
The exhibition, assembled by the Coalition of Hispanic Artists, includes paintings from artists who hail from throughout Latin America.
Armida Nagy Stickney, a native of Panama who now lives in Land O’ Lakes, has contributed four of her acrylic paintings, including “The Man and the Blue Guitar.”
The painting was inspired by a Wallace Steven poem from 1936, according to her Web site.
The poem in part reads:
“They said, “You have a blue guitar,
“You do not play things as they are.”
“The man replied, “Things as they are
“Are changed upon the blue guitar.”
Alcira Levy, of Clearwater, a native of Colombia, has three of her impressionistic paintings in the exhibition at the ArtCenter Manatee gallery at ComCenter, 9040 Town Center Parkway.
Although her first love is painting the human figure, two of her paintings on display depict the sea or river.
“I feel pretty fortunate to be included with so many talents and styles,” Levy said of the show. “We consider ourselves like a family. It’s a very warm and wonderful atmosphere.”
Cesar Gomez, executive director of the Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce, said Bernie Croghan, owner of ComCenter, asked him what he thought of hosting an exhibition of paintings by Hispanic artists.
“I said that I would love it,” Gomez said. He made some calls and pitched the idea to the Coalition of Hispanic Artists.
“They have been great,” Gomez said, noting the exhibition ties in with the chamber’s opening in ComCenter.
The public is invited to see “Latin Art Comes to the Ranch” 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is no admission fee.
In addition, there will be a reception for the artists 5-7 p.m. July 16.
James A. Jones Jr., East Manatee editor, can be contacted at 708-7916.
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