Latino Arts, Inc. is proud to be celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026. Rooted in cultura, led by corazón, the organization’s history is one of connection and inspiration to Milwaukee’s south-side Hispanic neighborhood and beyond.

Latino Arts, Inc. has proudly curated and hosted acclaimed performing Latino artists, captivating cultural art exhibitions, and educational opportunities since 1986. For 40 years, they have built bridges between a diverse community and welcomed community members of all backgrounds.

To celebrate this milestone, Latino Arts is unveiling a special anniversary logo that honors the culture and heart of the organization and the community it uplifts.

In addition, Latino Arts is thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of cultural concerts, art exhibitions, and workshops for Spring 2026!

On the Stage

13th Annual Guitar Festival and Concert
Saturday, February 7, 2026
7 p.m.

Latino Arts, Inc. along with the Latino Arts Strings Program presents the 13th Annual Guitar Festival Concert. The evening performance will highlight the Guitar Festival Orchestra, winners of the Youth Competition and will feature a solo performance by Internationally renowned guitarist Xavier Jara.

Xavier Jara (b. 1993) is an internationally acclaimed American classical guitarist celebrated for his expressive artistry and technical brilliance. In 2016, he won First Prize at the prestigious Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition, launching a 60-concert tour across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, and Panama — including a performance at Carnegie Hall.

Xavier has earned top prizes at major competitions including Viseu International, Boston Guitarfest, Incontri Chitarristici di Gargnano, Ciudad de Coria, and Tokyo International Competition.

This tropical Afro-Latin combo was born under the warm California sun. They borrow aesthetics from the radical 60s, 70s, and 80s. Each song echoes a remix of history and invites one to engage in the liberating evenings of Angola, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, and beyond. The name means “to remove worries.” Everybody has a “pena” and the mission of QUITAPENAS is simple: to make you dance and leave you without a worry.

Founded in 2011, the band was formed around their shared love of dance rhythms from the Tropical Afro Latin diaspora. They assembled a group of like-minded friends to share the vision that went on to be QUITAPENAS.

The group is made up of first generation son’s of immigrant parents from Guatemala and Mexico.

For more information and Ticket Pricing: Latino Arts | QUITAPENAS.

DJ Saffiro is a Milwaukee-based DJ with roots in Mexico City whose vibrant, high-energy style has made him a go-to favorite across the Midwest. With more than 15 years of experience, Saffiro seamlessly blends Latin rhythms—salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia—with Top 40, hip-hop, EDM, and global beats to create dynamic bilingual sets that light up any dance floor.

His signature approach mixes cultural authenticity with modern club energy, inviting audiences of all backgrounds to move, celebrate, and connect through music. Having performed in venues throughout Milwaukee and Chicago, DJ Saffiro is known for reading a room, elevating the vibe, and delivering unforgettable musical experiences.

For Beats & Baile, DJ Saffiro will bring his electrifying sound and magnetic stage presence to Latino Arts, setting the perfect tone for a night of dance, rhythm, and community with an all vinyl set.

• 7 – 7:30 p.m. – Free Salsa lesson led by Karlies Kelley-Vedula, Owner of Panadanza Dance Company
• 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. – Salsa Social ft. DJ Saffiro

In the Gallery

Christie Tirado is a Mexican American interdisciplinary artist and educator from Yakima, WA, currently residing in Madison, WI.

As the daughter of immigrants, she navigates the complexities of her heritage, drawing inspiration from the rich tradition of relief block printing.

Her work explores the impact of migration on culture, identity, traditions, memories, and histories, with a particular focus on labor-related migration within Mexican diasporas.

Deeply rooted in personal familial histories, her practice reflects the resilience and lived experiences of her own family while also recording both personal and collective narratives.

Through cultural exploration and artistic practice, she sheds light on the layered narratives of migration and cultural (in)visibility.

See more of Christie’s work on her website at https://christietiradoarte.com/.

Café con Arte: Cosechando Historias by Christie Tirado
Thursday, April 9, 2026
8:30 a.m.

Tour exhibit, Cosechando Historias by Christie Tirado, all while enjoying hot coffee and fresh churros!

Let our Managing Artistic Director, Jacobo Lovo, guide you on a gallery tour and discussion surrounding our Spring exhibit, Cosechando Historias by Christie Tirado.

Enjoy learning more about the art, the inspiration and symbolism behind it, and the unique techniques utilized in each exhibition featured in the Latino Arts Gallery!

The artist will be on-hand to answer any questions about the art. This tour will be offered bilingually in English and Spanish.

For more information and ticket pricing: Cosechando Historias by Christie Tirado.

De Colores is a celebration of student artists across southeastern Wisconsin and their interpretations of color!

From ROYGBIV to CMYK, color allows students to explore, imagine, and express themselves.

Join Latino Arts for this vibrant celebration of creativity and art.

For more information and ticket pricing: The Big Idea XXIII: De Colores.

Tour our exhibit, The Big Idea XIII: De Colores, all while enjoying hot coffee and fresh churros!

Let our Managing Artistic Director, Jacobo Lovo, guide you on a gallery tour and discussion surrounding our summer exhibit, The Big Idea XIII: De Colores.

Enjoy learning more about the art, the students behind it, and the ideas that inspired the artwork in the Latino Arts Gallery. This tour will be offered bilingually in English and Spanish.

For more information and ticket pricing: The Big Idea XIII: De Colores.

Special Events

Rosas & Rosé: Corn Husk Flowers
Thursday, March 12, 2026
5:30 – 7 p.m.

Latino Arts invites participants to celebrate spring with a fun new twist on our Pinto con Tinto experience. Join us welcoming back spring and its many colors with artist Yesica Coria as she leads this hands-on art-making experience.

Plantas con Tito’s: Terrariums
Thursday, May 14, 2026
5:30 – 7 p.m.

Latino Arts is proud to partner with Master Gardener-in-training, Valerie Sotomayor, to bring a fun, springtime twist on Pinto con Tinto at Latino Arts!

At Plantas con Tito’s, you will acquire the skills to craft a terrarium featuring a succulent arrangement all while enjoying refreshing Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktails and delicious tapas.

Participants are encouraged to bring a small item that reminds them of their favorite place in Latin America, the Caribbean, or wherever they feel most connected to their roots to incorporate into the terrarium.

Included in this workshop are three succulents, a container, and detailed care instructions.Please note: All guests must be 21+ to attend.

For more information and ticket pricing: Plantas con Tito’s: Terrariums Workshop | Latino Arts, Inc. – Milwaukee.

Lotería is a traditional Mexican board game, similar to bingo, that can be played with friends and family.

Interested in hosting a virtual game for your group or corporate event? Latino Arts, Inc. can now bring the game to you!

For more information and ticket pricing: Virtual Lotería Game Experience | Latino Arts, Inc. – Milwaukee.

About Latino Arts

Latino Arts, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to bringing cultural awareness, artistic educational experiences, and high-quality programming to the Greater Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin community, as well as to a global audience through our virtual programming featuring Hispanic artists from throughout the world.

As the only Wisconsin fine arts institution dedicated exclusively to showcasing the works of Hispanic and Latino artists, Latino Arts, Inc. provides high-quality, low-cost, and accessible arts programming. Latino Arts is committed to reaching beyond its south side Milwaukee neighborhood to share the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic community with a diverse, global audience.

More photos and details online at www.latinoartsinc.org