Metro Galleries, in conjunction with
MAS magazine, presented the art show
“Latination: A Celebration and Exploration
of Latino life,” on Sept. 4.
According to Don Martin, owner of
Metro Galleries, the show is exhibiting
the best of more than 75 entries that
were submitted by local artists whom
expressed, through their work, their interpretation
of Latino life and culture.
“Art is always in the eyes,” said Bonnie
Hineline-Kempner, who won first
place. She painted a ballet folklorico
dance group performing at Hart Park.
“I didn’t paint this piece for the contest,”
said Hineline-Kempner, who admitted
that she grew up fascinated by
the colors of the folklorico dresses.
Hineline-Kempner’s piece was priced
at $1,200. All work exhibited could be
acquired by the public.
The second place went to local photographer,
Tanya X. Leonzo for her
photo “Orgullo Indigena,” which was
taken in Antigua, Guatemala. The picture
depicted an old woman wearing a
colorful dress typical of Guatemala.
Bright colors filled the show room
and the use of them was a pattern present
on almost every piece such as Alberto
Herrera’s “La India Maria,” which
served as the cover of MAS magazine
for September. Herrera’s painting was awarded “Best of Show.”
“If I win the lottery tomorrow, I
would still be painting,” said Larry Jason,
another artist present at the exhibition
describing his passion for art. His
paintings portrayed well-known Latino
personalities such as Dolores Huerta
and Cesar Chavez.
Huerta was present at the show posing
for pictures with the people and
sharing her admiration for the work
exhibited at the Bakersfield downtown
gallery.
People who attended the exhibition
were served Mexican food, including
chile verde, salsa, and guacamole,
courtesy of El Pueblo restaurant from
Lamont. Complimenting the atmosphere,
a bar served margaritas.
“Latination” art will be on exhibition
through the month of September, Tuesday
through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5
p.m., and appointments for other days
and times can be arranged by calling
634-9538.
Metro Galleries is located at 1604
19th St. in downtown Bakersfield.