University of Pennsylvania Festival Latino Charity Art Exhibition Features “Puerto Rican Stereotype” Fine Art Print by Soraida Martinez, Creator of Verdadism

“The University of Pennsylvania’s Festival Latino 2007 is a week-long student-run celebration featuring cultural shows, nationally renowned speakers/performers, and events that foster activism. To celebrate this memorable occasion, this years event will conclude with a charity art exhibit and formal gala on March 30, 2007. On display will be artwork from renowned national artists, like Soraida Martinez, which will be auctioned off by a professional auctioneer with the proceeds going to Raices Culturales de LatinoAmerica, a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia that promotes Latino culture and folklore through music, dance performances and educational programs.

Since 1992, Soraida Martinez has been known for creating paintings with social commentaries, which she calls “Verdadism,” for the purpose of helping young people, especially Latino youth, empower themselves with their own truth. “Puerto Rican Stereotype: The Way You See Me Without Looking At Me” is a fine art print from an original painting created in 1992, which explores the stereotypical attitudes that American society has of Puerto Rican and Latina Women.

This charity art exhibition marks the close of Festival Latino 2007 and in attendance will be many prominent University of Pennsylvania officials, faculty, students and Alumni.

For information on the socially conscious art of Verdadism, visit the artists website at www.soraida.com or contact the artist via e-mail.”

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