SEATTLE – In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, KIRO 7 celebrates contributions from Latino and Hispanic communities.
It is observed from September 15th to October 15th every year.
Tracey Leong from KIRO 7 spoke to a Seattle gallery owner who was shedding light on Latinx artists in the Northwest.
Artist Jake Prendez is proud to showcase the incredible talent of the Latinx community at the Seattle Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery, which he owns with partner Judy Avita-Gonzalez.
“All it is is to put what’s already happening in the spotlight, and there’s an amazing art movement in Seattle, and that not only proves Seattle how great this art movement is, but it really proves it to the rest of the country – don’t forget us in the corner, “said Prendez.
The gallery opened in February 2019 as a welcoming space for creative and marginalized communities to host workshops, exhibit their work, and share their art.
“I didn’t see people who looked like my parents when I grew up here, you know, and our community here is so diverse. We want them to see themselves and those of their families and ancestors on the artwork on the walls and in the gift shop when they buy things from Latinx artists, a women-owned company, so it inspires them, ”Avitia- Called Gonzalez.
“I don’t see myself or my family reflected in anything and I wanted so badly to have the same feeling when I visit them and immerse themselves in the culture,” said Prendez.
Inspired by the Chicano movement and his family time in the East LA arts scene, Prendez saw this as an opportunity when he returned to Seattle.
“I saw immediately that Seattle had the talent, there are amazing Latinx artists. It seemed like nobody knew each other, there was just this big gap, ”said Prendez.
Prendez is also committed to empowering youth and is also passionate about the healing power of art.
“I used to be that kind of at-risk kid who grew up and got involved in things and I didn’t have that opportunity to express myself,” Prendez said. “I always looked back and wished I had art back then, I wish I could express myself with what I was doing in a different way.”
And as parents, Prendez and Avitia-Gonzalez understand the importance of representation and cultural accessibility for every generation.
“Art is that vehicle, that tool that really helps us deal with life. And bringing that to the community is invaluable, ”said Prendez.
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