Finding the Beat of Chicago’s Latino Quarter - (New York Times Travel Section)

IN a fifth-floor art gallery in Pilsen, Chicago’s fashionable Latino neighborhood, vibrant guitar chords were pouring out an open window on a recent Friday night. Four Latina artists were showing their paintings, and the shoebox of a gallery was jammed with a mixed, talkative crowd. Some swayed in time to the music, swigging beer and sipping wine. The din seemed to be drawing art patrons and good-time Chicagoans from all over the huge building at 1932 South Halsted Street, the central site of an every-second-Friday art walk.

Many come to the art walk from the suburbs or other parts of the city, but like much of Chicago these days, the affair draws its real energy from the city’s surging Latino population. One of the painters whose work was on display — Carolina Reyes — moved to Pilsen from a North Side neighborhood two years ago to paint. “Being a Latina, I’m still searching to learn more about my culture,” she said.”*

Stumble it! | |

Other posts that may interest you

The Ñ Beat: "Reflections Of Ourselves" - Chicago

Did You Know? More than 1,000 miles from the Mexican border, Chicago is home to about 800,000 people of Hispanic origin, mostly Mexican.

Reigning mambo kings of Chicago receive Grammy nod

The Mexican Experience: La Gran Manzana’s Homey Side - New York City

NP Communicator - Finding voces latinas - new blog Latina Voices

Did You Know? About 1.1 million people come into the country each day through 327 airports, land ports and seaports. About half are U.S. citizens.

Philadelphia Travel: Latino Festivals for the Fall

The Status of Latinos in the Media in Chicago, Illinois

New ABC series about Hispanic family in Chicago

Gary airport to get flights to Mexico? - Viva Aerobus