Hispanic Heritage observance offers workforce preparation

In conjunction with the observance of Hispanic Heritage month, the University of North Georgia (UNG) Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) is providing workforce preparation to students in the Department of Visual Arts. 

Under the direction of Dr. Ana Pozzi Harris, a senior lecturer of visual arts, students will be responsible for "ROOTS," an invitational art exhibition that runs from Oct. 1-Nov. 19 in the Library Technology Center at UNG's Dahlonega Campus. 

Senior Melissa Labra shared that the exhibition is providing real-life experience that is not typically offered in a class. 

"We don't really have a class for curating, but this opportunity allows us to experience what goes into it," she said. "I didn't realize how much is involved in the process."

After receiving submissions from all five campuses, students are being tasked with installing the exhibition in the library and having it "gallery-ready."

Labra, who had her work in the 2023 "Celebrating Connections" show, has also entered this year's event. She is of Mexican descent and takes pride in being a part of an event that highlights her heritage.

"I think it's a cool opportunity to have a show about my heritage in my college. It's an awesome thing," she said.

Labra said she hopes her participation in the show inspires other Latinas.

"I would hope that I help pave the way for them. People seeing previous works of mine and others, and being inspired by them, is a wonderful thing."

Art is personal for the Cumming, Georgia, resident.

"My mom didn't have a lot of opportunities in the world of art, so I took her to her first show last year. She really enjoyed it because she was able to see herself represented in the art," she said. "It made me teary-eyed to see her enjoy looking at art versus always working. She's always providing for us."

Labra, who is pursuing a degree in art with a concentration in digital arts, believes that "in all forms of art, you get to see an artist's identity, but you can also see yourself in it. I think it is kind of great that I get to be able to see my own identity in a different way."

"ROOTS" explores one's heritage as part of their family's culture of origin. Students submitted art based on the call for entries, and six will receive $50 awards, selected by Kengel Maysonet Baerga.

Other events that highlight Hispanic Heritage Month include:

• Hispanic Heritage Month Tabling Hoag Patio, Dahlonega and Student Center Patio, Gainesville, Sept. 16, noon to 1 p.m.
• Salsa dancing lesson Gainesville Student Center Volleyball Courts, Sept. 18, noon to 1 p.m.
• Latino-American Student Organization Potluck, Young Hall 216, Dahlonega, Sept. 19, 6-7 p.m.
• Latino Student Association Fiestas Patrias Celebration, Gainesville Student Center Volleyball Courts, Sept. 20, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Hispanic Heritage Month Tabling, Oconee, Sept. 26, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA)/Department of Visual Arts Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibition, Library Technology Center, Dahlonega, Oct. 1-Nov. 19, normal hours. 
• Hispanic Heritage Month Tabling, Cumming, Oct. 3, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• MSA/LASO Latin Fever Dance, Hoag Student Center ABC Rooms, Dahlonega, Oct. 3, 6-9 p.m.
• Hispanic Heritage Month Tabling, Blue Ridge, Oct. 7, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• MSA/Department of Visual Arts Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibition Reception, Library &Technology Center lobby, Dahlonega, Oct. 8, 4-6 p.m. 
• Hispanic Heritage Month Festival in partnership with Maria Jose Maguire, Cumming, Oct. 9, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• MSA/OSI Saturday of Service with Red Cross in Latinx community, Gainesville, Oct. 12 (time and location TBD).
• Hispanic Heritage Month Guest Speaker: Eliecer Trillos, ZOOM, Oct. 15, 12:30-1:30 p.m.