On Friday, September 5, Vámonos Detroit’s Health Eatery & Creative Spaces welcomed a vibrant celebration of Latina creativity. Founded by Denisse Lopez and her husband Carlos, the community hotspot is more than just a healthy eatery – it’s a hub for wellness, vibes,
and culture. Located at 4444 W. Vernor near Clark Park, Vámonos not only offers good food but also holds workshops, classes, and events that bring the community together.
The opening night of the ¡Vamonos! Hispanic Heritage Month Galeria: An all Latina art gallery was an immersive experience to say the least. Guests were greeted with music, colorful lighting, and a drink menu for the occasion. The atmosphere held a vibrant energy as people came together to admire the work of local talented artists.
The participating artists are: Andrea Montiel de Shuman, Martha Areli, Julianna Sanroman Rojas, Natalie Rivera, Dayana Juarez, and Carolina Vazquez. To add to the fun, floral vendor VidaBloomz was in attendance with a pop up shop at the event. The evening highlighted talent
and voices with artists sharing their work and some even their inspiration behind it.
“It fills me with pride, happiness and gratitude to have the opportunity to display the art of such talented mujeres on our studios’ walls,” Lopez said. “May it motivate and empower other Latinas in our hood!”
Carolina Vazquez, who has been painting for around a year, explained that her art was heavily inspired by the celebration of their heritage and the loss of her father.
For Vazquez, painting is about self expression and not the goal of gaining attention. Through finding time to create while balancing work and school, Vazquez aims to create from a place of celebration.
Julianna Sanroman Rojas, another featured artist, has rooted her work into her family history. Inspired by her parents’ deportation and grandparents’ dream of becoming painters, she now carries on a legacy. Turning emotion into some- thing so big, she now attends graduate school for art and is an example of the importance of pursuing opportunities. For her, her cultural identity is insepa- rable from her work “It’s hard not to immerse your culture in your art when it’s your reality,” Sanroman Rojas said.
The community’s resilience, talent, and identity was heavily shown through the Latina artists who presented their work. With each contribution – from canvas to flower arrangement – the evening’s reflections were how art and culture can really nourish one’s mind, body, and spirit. Make sure to visit Vámonos Detroit’s Healthy Eatery & Creative Spaces before September 27th to experience the many talents of Southwest Detroit.
This article and photos were made possible thanks to a generous grant to EL CENTRAL Hispanic News by Press Forward, the national movement to strengthen communities by reinvigorating local news. Learn more at www.pressforward.news.
