Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Gail Borden Public Library
Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, featuring performing arts, literary arts, media arts and visual arts.
It will be an opportunity to discover Latino contributions to the arts and learn about local artists and organizations. There also will be opportunities to explore painting, photographing, sculpting or writing.
The sixth annual celebration will begin with "¡CelebrArte!" from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at the main library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin.
The afternoon will feature the performing, visual and literary arts of Latin America with activities and live performances, including dances by Ballet Folklorico Huehuecoyotl and live music by Luz de Ande.
At 2 p.m., children, age 8 to 16, from the community will present "La Flor de Roca," a play based on fables from Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Peru. It will be directed by Fernando Betancourt, thanks to a grant from the Florence B. and Cornelia A. Palmer Foundation. It will be in Spanish with English subtitles.
The library also will host other programs during Hispanic Heritage Month. To learn more, visit www.gailborden.info or www.facebook.com/gailbordenpubliclibrary.
• Learn about "The Mask, Life and Death: Talk and Dance" from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, in the community rooms. In Mexico, masks are part of a ceremonial artistry that is the product of popular culture. Listen to a talk by actor, director and cultural promoter Fernando Betancourt on the festivities of the native peoples of Mexico and the integration of masks in a life dedicated to theater. Then enjoy dances by Ballet Folklorico Huehuecoyotl and Ballet Girasol.
• "InspirArte: Artist at Work" will offer live art demonstrations from 6 to 8 p.m. on select days in late September. Drop by the main library lobby to watch talented local Latino artists and artisans in the process of creating their work. The schedule of artists will be: Teresa Magaña on Tuesday, Sept. 20; Cristina Colunga on Thursday, Sept. 22; Rosa Villagomez y Larua Neira on Tuesday, Sept. 27; and Iván González on Thursday, Sept. 29. Get up close and inspired!
• Get your shoes ready for modern and timeless Latin American dance rhythms from salsa to danzón in "Dance Social: Latin American Rhythms" from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 20 and Oct. 11, in the Meadows Community Rooms A&B, and on Tuesday, Sept. 27, in the South Elgin Room. No previous experience or partner is required. No registration is required.
• Join a new discussion group Café Latino: Conversation and Books from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, in Community Rooms A&B. Share stories in a friendly environment. The group will discuss "Today's Inspired Latinas," a book that features the stories of Latina women who have overcome adverse events with determination. Pita Betancourt will talk about her participation in the book. Signed copies will be for sale. This program is in partnership with Centro de Información.
• Explore the adventures of Latin American fables through stories, crafts and snacks at "Fantastic Fables: Family Fiesta," a bilingual event, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, in the Meadows Community Room. Families with at least one child in third to sixth grade are invited.
• Celebrate Latino community leaders and readers then dance to timeless and modern Latin American music with "Dance at the Park" at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Lords Park Pavilion, 100 Oakwood Blvd. in Elgin. No registration is required. The event will feature children's activities. An entrance donation will be accepted, and food and beverages will be for sale. This event is in partnership with the Organization of Mexico in Elgin.
• Kay Elmsley Weeden will tell bilingual tales about amazing animals and hilarious happenings in "¡Say Olé! Stories & Cuentos con Kay" from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, in the Meadows Community Rooms.