Latin Views 2010
There is something for everyone at this show: from the innocence of urban children shown in “Trinity Chillin” by American/Dominican Copie Rodriguez, to the beautiful “Last Rose of Spring” by Colombian Rosa Elena Colón, to the watermelon still life “Corazon Partido” by Paraguayan Hernán Miranda, working in the tradition of my country’s great painters such a Zurbarán and Goya. The New London Times, August 26,2010; This Art is for You! Resurrección Espinosa

The exhibit serves as an educational resource for the community and the Latin Network (for the Visual Arts) funds school bus trips for children to view the show. When they arrive, students can hear about the work from docents who can converse in French, Spanish and English. Norwich Bulletin, September 4, 2010; Latin artists offer world view by Sharma Howard

“Emotion is what most of this art brings” said Mimi (Daumy). “There’s a lot of passion and a lot of color. Some of the pieces, such as that of the artist MANO, have messages. MANO uses mixed media. He cuts eyes and lips from magazines and puts them into paintings, showing the assimilation of people coming into the U.S. And the pieces are in squares, to suggest the format of assimilation – the shape of a stamps, a passport photo,” she said. Mystic River Press, September 2, 2010; Exhibit Explores Assimilation by Elizabeth Yerkes

“We wanted to give back to his community,” Mimi Daumy stated “Gaston worked at Pfizer for 25 years and we want to educate and enrich people about Latin cultures and how rich these artists’ work is and what they have to offer.” Julia Pavone, Director and Curator of the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art, describes the Latin artists’ work as very cutting edge, using imaginative mediums in combinations she hasn’t seen before and a range of styles, which she believes will intrigue people who may have seen a limited range of Latin art. The Waterford Times, September 9, 2010; Region Embraces Latin Art at Biennial Exhibition by Amy J. Barry

The Latin Network for the Visual Arts asks, “Is there such a thing as ‘Latin art’ or is this simply art created by Latin artists?” A stroll through art history shows us that certain demographic or geographic venues provide what can be considered as benchmarks for styles and techniques. “I think that this is a form of art that serves as enrichment to the community,” said LNVA founder Gaston Daumy. “I think the art which we are bringing to this year’s exhibition is completely different. It’s never been seen in Connecticut…yes, in New York perhaps, in Miami, but not in Connecticut.” Artscope, September & October 2010; Volume 5 Number 4 Latin Views 2010 by Lisa Mikulsk

Latin Views 2008
Making itself at home. Latin Views exhibition finds a following with its fourth show. The best sign that a community appreciates the intellectual and cultural expressions of artists from other lands is how a show is received. Kathleen Edgecomb, The Day, October 14, 2008.

We continued our International Program with Latin Views 2008 a biennial exhibition of paintings, prints and sculptures by 36 artists from 15 different Latin countries. We are so fortunate to experience such rich cultures, through the work of these talented artists, brought to our gallery by the Latin Network for the Visual Arts (LNVA). This exhibition brought school children and educators from all over the region as well as artists and art lovers from all over the world to the gallery. Julia Pavone, Curator/Director, Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art, October 20, 2008.

The ‘Latin Views 2008’ will be an extraordinary international celebration of art that will be sure to excite and entertain any art lover. The exhibit will cover narrative, fantasy, myths, prophesies, spectacle and the ambiguous territory between the real and the unreal. This exhibit is an invitation to the viewer to enter, explore and immerse themselves in the imaginary world of contemporary Latin artists, which is filled with emotions and imagery. Norwich Bulletin, September 19, 2008.

The Latin Network for the Visual Arts and the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art present this major exhibition, making the first time that the two organizations have co-curated a project from outset to realization. Connecticut Post, September 23, 2008.

Since its inception in 2003, the Latin Views exhibits have greatly evolved and have become the leading medium offering international contemporary art to southeastern Connecticut. Artlook, September 14, 2008.

The exhibition will occupy the entire gallery creating the ideal atmosphere to showcase these impressive works of art.” Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network, September 2008.

Each painted piece told a story at Latin Views 2008, an exhibit provided by the Latin Network for the Visual Arts in the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art at the University of Connecticut’s Avery Point Campus in Groton, CT. Both organizations coordinated the event that highlighted 36 artists from 15 different countries.” Kristal Spence, The Groton Times, October 2, 2008.

All the ‘ Latin ‘ artists had the opportunity to apply to be part of the exhibition, including persons from all the countries who speak romance languages (an evolution of the so called vulgar Latin), for example, Italy, Spain, Brazil, etc., and not only the ‘Latin’ artists from Latin America. Amanda May, El Registro, Arte y Espect á culos, New Haven, CT October 3, 2008.

Latin Views 2006
The reception for Latin art has proved warm in an area in which traditional art, and impressionism particularly, has had such an enduring legacy. Most of the work would be classified as contemporary, or abstract, but some of the pieces plunge the viewer into the surreal; worlds that are suspended, distilled expressions of the subconscious; often eerie and stalked by a loneliness, a sense of isolation . The Waterford Times “Art that Moves” by Sharma Howard October 2006.

Gaston and Mimi (Daumy) are passionately committed to providing exhibition venues and opportunities for Latin artists in particular and for communities in this region to have access to viewing this artwork. We see a vibrant multi-faceted art community, very much a part of the larger art world, addressing unique as well as universal concerns , said Diane Barcelo a local Latin artist from New London. The Westerly Sun, The Guide “Shades of Latin Show founders like to take a wider view of Latin Art” by Marshall Williams, September, 2006.

We’re excited because it brings in another perspective. We think it helps to educate the community and gives the artists exciting and new ideas – maybe a new approach to a medium or a piece,” said Karen Barthelson, the director of exhibitions and collections at the Mystic Arts Center. The Norwich Bulletin, Norwich, CT “Latin art finds place in Eastern Connecticut” by Amy Lawson, September, 2006.

In 2003, a group of art enthusiasts got together and decided to hold an exhibit that would showcase international artists and bring an awareness of Latin art to the region. Now, three years later, the Latin Network for the Visual Arts is hosting its third show, Latin Views 2006, at the Mystic Arts Center. We are thrilled to have them here says Claire K. Mathews, executive director of the arts center. They bring in wonderful art form people who are not necessarily hanging in our shows. It brings art to us that otherwise we would not have acess to. Each time they’ve done it, it’s been wonderful. The New London Day, New London, CT “ World View: a Local Exhibition Focuses on Latin Artists” by Kathleen Edgecomb, September, 2006.

Latin Views 2004
Important effort by LNVA guided to elevate Connecticut’s public conscience to the perspective, accomplishments and contributions of latinamerican visual arts .  Diario de las Americas, La Revista del Diario, Miami, FL “ Solid formation: important effort” by Miguel Fernández Martínez, October 8, 2004.

The surreal images of Luciana Abait, the intensely colored landscape of Jaime Calisaya Ajhuaco, evocative works of Rakel Bernie go on display Friday at the Mystic Arts Center.  What?  You’ve never heard of these artists?  Well, it’s time to broaden your horizons .   New London Day “ Another View – a second annual exhibition showcases Latin art” by Kathleen Edgecomb, September 23, 2004.

LNVA, in its second year, has expanded its horizon. …there is a need, an interest and passion for Latin artists to infuse our New England sensibilities with a landscape of imaginations and color, as well as to show off fresh approaches that should add a little spice to the region. The Times, ( Groton, Lyme, Mystic, New London, Stonington and Waterford, CT) “ Latin Flavor in Mystic” by Sharma Howard, September 17, 2004

What’s guaranteed is that the artwork on display will be nothing like what’s ordinarily found in the local galleries. Mystic River Press Currents, Mystic, CT “ Latin Views 2004” by Nicole Souza, September 16, 2004.

From my experience living here is refreshing to see work outside the area.  I think it’s easy to not be exposed to the richness and variety out there in other communities.  It’s nice to have the opportunity to see the diversity of contemporary Latin artwork that we don’t ever get to see.”, comment by Diane Barcelo, Arts teacher, Norwich Free Academy, September 2004.

These are international artists… offering art from different ethnicities is exciting and we always strive for more diversity.  All the way around, it’s a good experience for artists and non-artists alike comment by Karen Barthelson, Mystic Arts Center, Exhibition Coordinator, September 2004.

Latin Views 2003
Bold experiments in color, shape, and texture combine with both surreal and realistic human representations drawn from many cultures to create a dramatic and rich cultural tableau…Karen Grava, Manager of Media Communications, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, March 3, 2003.

Programs such as this hurdle political and cultural walls unifying the people in their love of art and humanity beyond arbitrary barriers. Scope, New London, CT: “ A new force arises for Latin Art in Groton” by Chris Kepple, July 4, 2003.

There’s never, ever been an exhibit here that represents the breadth and depth of the Latin artist …this is a major exhibition of Latin fine arts, says Migdalia Salas. The New London Day, New London, CT, “Untapped culture: Local Group to Host Latin American Art Exhibition” by Kathleen Edgecomb, October 14, 2003.

I have wanted for the years since we opened to establish Hygienic as sort of…the port of entry for Latin American visual Artists. It is with total delight that I see you have achieved something we… have ‘thought’ about for over three years.  Clearly you have done something of major significance!! Comment by James Stidfole, Hygienic Art Gallery, New London, CT. October 14, 2003.

The Bradford House Mansion served as the venue for an exhibition where more than 600 people attended, who were interested in the booming Latin art that is imposing itself in the most demanding galleries of the United States. Diario de las Americas, La revista del Diario, Miami, FL, “Beyond the Skin” by Miguel Fernández-Martínez, November 28, 2003.