In the Spirit: First “Navi Arts Fest” held to celebrate Puerto Rican Arts and Culture

All under one roof. The walls were filled with artwork from Puerto Rican, black and brown artists. People mixed and mingled while shopping for the holidays.

Founder of Tinfoil, Michael Velasquez (right), brother and nephew(left), showcases his 10-year old clothing brand that specializes in conspiracy, political, and inspirational apparel.

“My art has evolved in many ways from size to detail. I’ve begun utilizing different color wire, earrings for eyes, diamond bracelets for ‘grillz,’ as well as other props.” -Gregory Diaz, handcrafter of BAGizzles

Sarah Sosa also known as “Sosa The Artist,” was born and raised in Humboldt Park. Sosa uses art to cope with hardships, express emotion and understand different cultures.

NMPRAC murals painted by local Humboldt Park artists.

Denise Ruiz showcases her recycled and upcycled vintage pieces from her brand Madre de Perla, which translates to “Mother of Pearl.”

“The passing of my mother is what actually inspired me.” “I needed a catharsis and a way to process that grief.” -Denise Ruiz

	By Chanell Newsome, Arts and Culture Reporter, The Real Chi

The National Puerto Rican Museum of Arts & Culture (NMPRAC) hosted its first “Navi Arts Fest,” a holiday event dedicated to  Chicago’s very own artists of unique crafts. Located in Humboldt Park, the fest featured work by local Puerto Rican artists and island natives. Museum visitors purchased artwork as well as apparel on display. 

According to the CEO of  the museum Billy Ocasio, NMPRAC is the first institution exclusively committed to celebrating Puerto Rican Arts in the country. 

“We thought that we needed to not only deliver our arts and culture to our people in Chicago but that we needed to preserve what's going on for all Puerto Rican artists within their culture and tradition,” Ocasio said. 

NMPRAC historical landmark plans to collaborate with other immigrant communities across the city in the near future. In the meantime, it’s keeping the doors open to visitors across the globe.

“There’s so much wealth in terms of our music and culture that is just something we need to pass down to later generations,” said Lourdes Garcia, manager of visitor experience for NMPRAC. “People can learn more about its contributions to our city and more.”