What is your favorite piece purchased through HWNT-FW Latina Art Show/ArtSi?  I enjoy all 8 of the pieces we have bought over the years, all of which have been displayed at various times and locations in our home.  If I had to pick one though, it would be "Lupe Velez" which we bought in 2011 by this year's featured artist, Lizeth Garcia.  Lupe Velez was a talented Mexican film actress who started in Mexican Burlesque before moving to silent films and "talkies," making the transition to Broadway and then back to Hollywood.  She was one of the first Mexican actresses to be successful in Hollywood and while her death was surrounded by dramatic circumstances, I can appreciate her efforts to be successful in a tough field.  I also found it ironic during my research that Lupe also had a connection to Texas and education - her parents sent her to what is now Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio at the age of 13 and this is where she learned English.  It seems so fitting that Lizeth provided this painting to support HWNT's Latina in Progress program!  

Other ArtSi pieces I am proud to own:
2013 - "Kosher Graffiti" by Victor A. Trevino, "Shadow" by Eric Rebosio, "Monet: Color Blind" by Julie Pomerantz
2011 - "Lupe Velez" by Lizeth Garcia
2010 - "Working Class Hero" by Nadia Hamilton
2009 - "Spirit of Angels" by Yolanda Valdez-Rementeria
2007 - "Angel Dance" by Carrie Rominger
2006 - "Aquatic Symphony" by Carrie Rominger  

Where is it hanging now? "Lupe Velez" is proudly displayed in my office at work as shown in the photo.  While some visitors think her expression is similar to mine at times, this painting reminds me of my Grandma Louise and a photo of her before my wedding.  I think the generational connection to the same era also speaks to me as well as the fact that Lupe and my grandmother were strong, trailblazing women paving the way for others. 

How many Latina Art Show/ArtSi events have you attended? All 10!  

What do you love about ArtSi and supporting HWNT-FW? ArtSi represents the culmination of a lot of talented HWNT members to produce a supportive community gathering of generous artists, businesses, and donors working together to invest in the future Latina leaders of our community.  I've been a proud member of HWNT-FW since 2004 and look forward to building upon the organization's success as Chair in 2015 and 2016.  HWNT-FW is community, sisterhood, mentorship, development, support, friendship, networking, opportunity and more wrapped up in a dynamic organization that is making an impact.   5) Any words of advice to new attendees/art buyers of ArtSi? Find something that speaks to you and bid like crazy to get it!  Be sure to visit the handsome lead bartender, Chris Trevino.  He'll help you loosen up those wallets and purse-strings for a good cause.

Tell us about your favorite purchase made at the HWNT-FW Latina Art Show/ArtSi?
I love all of my ArtSi pieces! It’s hard to choose just one. Each of them are masterpieces produced by talented, local Fort Worth women. I have pieces by Amber Bailey, Tammy Gomez, Vicky Garcia, and this year’s ArtSi Features Artist- Lizeth Garcia proudly displayed in my home.

Why did you purchase these pieces?
Each year I try to purchase a new piece at ArtSi; a piece that really speaks to me throughout the night. ArtSi is an evening filled with fantastic energy so I try to choose a piece that will radiate that same energy. You’ll notice that they all have shared a hint of orgullo de nuestro cultura and a feminine strength. The outlier might be the one with the chickens. “Tio Jose with Chickens” just reminds me of the great Mexican men I’ve grown up around. They, as a group, often get a bad reputation, but I’m very proud to have been raised by a great one. And of course, owning “Dolores del Rio” by this year’s Featured Artist Lizeth Garcia is a true honor. Lizeth is amazing herself, but owning the piece inspired me to research the icon that is Dolores del Rio. She is a 1920s Hollywood star and the first internationally known Mexican actress. She is a Latina trailblazer, and a legend, so it’s absolutely fabulous to have her in my home.

What do you love about ArtSi and why should people attend?
I love the entire concept of ArtSi! It’s such a beautiful idea. Hardworking and committed Latinas orchestrate a fun evening of purchasing art and donations by local citizens that want to help young Latinas pursue their dreams of higher education. How amazing is that? The actual event itself is wonderful. Walls full of talent, baskets full of donations from supportive businesses and a room full of generous and loving people. An entire community gets together to make dreams come true. It truly is one of my favorite events of the year!

From HWNT ArtSi Co-Chair, State Rep & Parliamentarian, 
Ms. Amanda Arizola


Tell us about your favorite purchase made at the HWNT-FW Latina Art Show/ArtSi?

Title – Walking Into the Darkness
Artist – Angelica Martinez
Medium – acrylic on canvass
Purchased in 2011

Why did you purchase this piece?
When I saw this piece hanging on the wall at ArtSi, I knew that I had to have it.  I loved the simplicity of the design and the bright red of the dress. It reminded me of my favorite dress, which was similar in style.  It attracted me because she has a determined look on her face, she is either going to kill someone or just taking the bottle to the trash.  There is a story behind her eyes because she is on the precipice of sanity.  I am currently writing that story, so hopefully you will see it in print one day with her on the cover of my novel.  

What do you love about ArtSi and why should people attend?

I love ArtSi because it celebrates the community and brings awareness to both local artists and the need for educational scholarships.  This is the 7th year that I have had the pleasure to help plan ArtSi and it just keeps getting better with each passing year!  I’m so excited for our 10th Annual Show and Silent Auction, you will be able to purchase some amazing original artworks, silent auction pieces and have some surprising entertainment.  Be ready to bring out the wallets and help us raise funds for the LIP (Latinas in Progress) Educational Series and Scholarships.  


#ArtSiFW

We would love to see your memories and pieces that have been purchased over the years! 

How to Share:
1) Join the Fort Worth Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas Facebook or Twitter Page
2) Post a picture of the purchased artwork in its current location with the title, artist and when you purchased the work with hashtag #ArtSiFW
3) You will be placed in a drawing for a Weekend Staycation at the Hilton Garden Inn DFW N. Grapevine.  

Winner will be selected at ArtSi on June 7th!

If you are not on social media, you may email Amanda Arizola at Amanda.Arizola@gmail.com

HWNT-FW is celebrating the 10th Annual ArtSi and would like to reminisce on all of the wonderful artworks that have been donated and placed in loving homes throughout the years.  If you have purchased a piece of art from ArtSi/Latina Art Show over the past years, please share your story and pictures with us through social media. 

How to Share:

1) Join the Fort Worth Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas Facebook or Twitter page

2) Post a picture of the purchased artwork in its current location with the title, name of artist, when you purchased the work and hashtag #ArtSiFW

3) You will be placed in a drawing for a Weekend Staycation at the Hilton Garden Inn DFW N. Grapevine.  

Winner will be chosen at ArtSi on June 7th!

If you are not on social media, you may email your entries to Amanda Arizola at amanda.arizola@gmail.com.

Tell us about your favorite purchase made at the HWNT-FW Latina Art Show/ArtSi?

Title - Gathering Blossoms
Artist - Chen, Hua
Medium - seriolithograph in color on archival paper
Purchased in 2011

Where is it hanging now?

It is hanging in my home office.

What do you love about ArtSi and supporting HWNT-FW?

I love ArtSi because it brings together the Fort Worth community for a common purpose - supporting and encouraging the educational attainment and professional development of young Latinas, as well as empowering the Fort Worth Hispanic community. The HWNT-FW membership is filled with professionals who generously donate their time and talent to plan events that educate and empower the Fort Worth Hispanic community. I support HWNT-FW because it is an organization made up of hard-working members who remember those teachers, mentors and family members who have helped them achieve their dreams, and honor such support by giving back to our community.

Why should people attend ArtSi?

I highly encourage people to attend ArtSi because it is not just a fundraiser - it is a community celebration with great food, fabulous music and wonderful company. Attending ArtSi is a fun and effortless way to have a positive and long-lasting impact on the local community, and through ArtSi, supporting HWNT-FW is as easy as buying a beautiful piece of art or irresistible silent auction item, or purchasing an advertisement in the playbill. You won't regret joining us for this fantastic evening!