Photo courtesy of Latino Arts, Inc.
'Lady and Hummingbird' by Rodrigo Carapia
'Lady and Hummingbird' by Rodrigo Carapia is featured in Carapia's exhibition 'Tierra Mojada: Scent of My Memories' at Latino Arts from Aug. 28-Oct. 9, 2026.
This season, Latino Arts Inc. is still celebrating 40 years of presenting visual and performing artists of Latino heritage to Milwaukee. Their programming has been multi-generational and designed to serve the Latino community as well as non-Hispanic folks.
Photo courtesy of Latino Arts, Inc.
Artist Rodrigo Carapia in studio
Madison-based artist Rodrigo Carapia in his studio.
Jacobo Lovo has been Latino Arts’ managing director for 10 years. He chose “Tierra Mojada: Scent of My Memories” (Aug. 28-Oct. 9) as the opening exhibit for the 2026-27 season. The paintings are by Mexico City-born, self-taught artist Rodrigo Carapia, a Madison resident for the past 15 years. “Carapia’s works center around the themes of resilience, survival and transformation, and feature vibrant colors and imagery. I thought his work would be the perfect fit to launch our fall season,” Lovo says. “His bold use of color and cultural imagery will help set the perfect tone at our Noche de Gala fundraiser on September 19.”
Photo courtesy of Latino Arts, Inc.
Day of the Dead ofrenda - Latino Arts, Inc.
An ofrenda on display at Latino Arts as part of their annual Day of the Dead programming.
One of Latino Arts’ keystone exhibits every fall is the “Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) Ofrendas” (Oct. 22-Nov. 18). “I always look forward to this colorful celebration of remembrance, culture and life through the tradition of ofrendas,” Lovo says. This year's ofrendas (altars) are inspired by corn and wheat, symbols of life, food and continuity. “The theme reflects both the Indigenous roots of these crops and the European influences produced through cultural fusion, offering a powerful interpretation of how these traditions intertwine to shape Día de Los Muertos,” he explains. “This exhibit also showcases the diversity of regional Mexican customs while honoring the blend of Aztec and Spanish traditions that give Día de Los Muertos its enduring meaning.”
This year’s ofrendas are provided by individuals, community organizations and the Mexican consulate in Milwaukee.
Photo courtesy of Latino Arts, Inc.
Dance lesson at Latino Arts, Inc.
A Latin dance lesson at Latino Arts in Milwaukee.
There will also be special events at Latino Arts, such as “Beats & Baile” (Oct. 9), featuring DJ Saffiro, a 30-minute salsa lesson led by Betsy Guerrero (Mezclando Milwaukee Dance Co.). “We really focus on creating a welcoming space for all members of the community, so by providing this dance lesson at the start, we hope folks of all interest and ability will feel empowered to move their bodies and implement what they learned,” Lovo says. “After we have learned our salsa steps, we will open up the dance floor for the dance social to commence. It has been a great way to share the love of Latin dance with the community”
There will be a cash bar at the 18-plus event.
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Latino Arts also books touring ensembles, including California’s Afro-Latin band El Santo Golpe (Nov. 6). Touring bands showcased at Latino Arts often meet with students from the Latino Arts Strings Program. “Seeing this interaction between professional musicians and our students is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work,” Lovo says.
Photo courtesy of Latino Arts, Inc.
Jacobo Lovo - Latino Arts, Inc.
Jacobo Lovo, managing director of Latino Arts, Inc.
Lovo was a practicing artist and a classroom art teacher before joining Latino Arts. He saw his background as an opportunity “to enrich Latino Arts mission through a focus in culturally rooted educational experiences through our programming.” He describes that mission as two complementary parallel lines. “One line is focused on highlighting and celebrating the talent of artists and cultural traditions that make up our shared identity as Hispanics/Latinos with roots coming from throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. The second line aims to build cultural bridges and invites non-Hispanic/Latino folks of all ages to learn and celebrate with us.
“We believe in building a more empathetic and interconnected community through the arts,” he continues. “It is with this understanding of our mission that I approach curating our seasons from a place of gratitude to our community and respect for the opportunity to highlight the rich cultural heritage that drives our people and collective identity.’
For more information, visit www.latinoartsinc.org
