via ArtsWestchester:

For the second year in a row, ArtsWestchester is kicking off “Encuentros Culturales/Cultural Encounters,” a partnership with Westchester County Government designed to put a special focus on Westchester’s vibrant
Hispanic community and the numerous Hispanic-themed cultural events and activities happening here. In 2010, during the first year of Encuentros Culturales, ArtsWestchester promoted events happening in the fall. This year, the initiative has been expanded to include summer events as well. Those wishing to access a bilingual Encuentros Culturales calendar of events click here.

“We’ve envisioned Encuentros Culturales as a bilingual resource for Latino Arts & Culture in Westchester,” says Westchester County Legislator Jose I. Alvarado, who was instrumental in the inception of the initiative. “This summer, we’ve highlighted 14 major events for people to enjoy and we will present a new calendar of Encuentros Culturales events for the fall.”

“Encuentros Culturales does seek to engage with and celebrate Westchester’s Latino community,” adds Ken Jenkins, Chair, Westchester County Board of Legislators. “At the same time, we hope many non-Latino residents will take advantage of these wonderful cultural opportunities as well.”

The Encuentros Culturales initiative will be unofficially launched at the Hispanic Heritage Festival of Westchester on Sunday, July 24, at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. ArtsWestchester is planning two family workshops as part of the launch. Visual Artist Miguel Cossio will paint faces and paper artists Aurelia Fernandez and Zafiro Acevedo will teach youngsters how to “A cornerstone of ArtsWestchester’s mission is to make the arts accessible to all,” explains ArtsWestchester CEO Janet T.

Langsam. “For several years, our Folk Arts Program has presented programs highlighting the music, dance and visual arts traditions of the distinct countries that make up Latin America. As Westchester’s Hispanic population grows and diversifies, initiatives such as Encuentros Culturales, become increasingly relevant.”