A Dream Realized: ‘Sueño de Reyes’, (“Dream of the Kings”) Exhibit Inaugurates Galería Esperanza, Featuring Renowned Puerto Rican Artist, Tato González.
Philadelphia, PA – Esperanza Arts Center (EAC) is dedicated to making Latin arts accessible to all. At the heart of Esperanza’s efforts is Galería Esperanza, an art gallery destined to symbolize cultural diversity and artistic expression. Opening with renowned Puerto Rican painter «Tato» González.
The gallery will feature great painters from age five from our neighborhood to the maestros whose works are in museums worldwide. It’s committed to providing a platform for both emerging and well-established artists.
The inaugural exhibit at Galería Esperanza, titled «Sueño de Reyes» (“Dream of the Kings”), is proof of the realization of three distinct dreams. The first dream belongs to Esperanza’s Founder, President, and CEO, Reverend Luis Cortés, Jr., who envisioned a community gallery at the center of the barrio, accessible to all. «This has been a longstanding dream to ensure that our community has access to all the elements that wealthier neighborhoods do, like a theater, a conference center, and even an art gallery,» he said.
Renowned Puerto Rican artist and teacher Tato González embodies the second dream with his collection and exhibition, Sueño de Reyes. This manifestation of a dream started in Puerto Rico and has now become a reality in Philadelphia, with Tato González becoming the first artist in residence at Galería Esperanza. Some of the names of Tato González’s masterpieces for the inaugural exhibition are «Sueño y Perseverancia,» «Sueño de Pascuas,» «Sueño del Alfarero,» and «Sueño de la Promesa.» He moved away from color and worked with black, white, and silver tones to achieve the luminosity tone and be seen behind the light.
The third dream, intertwined with the Kings’ dreams, is to follow a celestial path and be present where baby Jesus was born, symbolizing a journey of new beginnings and cultural richness. Tato González said, «The description of the work I’ve done says, ‘Certainly, the essence of this artistic exhibition is the Three Wise Men, whose faces manifest expressions of worship, joy, and gratitude to God for the privilege of guiding us to the place where their son Jesus the Messiah was born. You will see it when you come to the grand opening.'»
These dreams converge into the overarching vision of making Latin arts accessible to all. Galería Esperanza emerges as a space where the artists can exhibit their creations, fostering a sense of community and cultural celebration within the barrio.
Join us on Friday, Dec 8th, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Esperanza for the Grand Opening of Galería Esperanza. Enjoy an exclusive first look at its inaugural exhibit and an immersive experience of the rich world of Latino arts and culture. Please celebrate with us with traditional Puerto Rican music, light refreshments, and a vibrant display of Puerto Rico’s unique cultural traditions. RSVP today! Sueño de Reyes
Luis «Tato» González Almodóvar, born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, on December 31, 1960, is a versatile artist recognized for his expertise in printmaking, painting, sculpture, and drawing. His artistic journey began at the Miguel Pou School of Visual Arts in 1974, influenced by his artist father. Winning the 1980 painting competition at the Pontifical Catholic University earned him a fine arts scholarship, graduating in 1984.
González’s realistic style depicting Puerto Rican landscapes has garnered acclaim. Besides his artistic impact, he’s been an educator and cultural promoter, with roles at the Pontifical Catholic University and as the coordinator of cultural activities at Dr. Alfredo M. Aguayo High School. Awarded » Ponceño Ilustre» in 2022, his contributions to Puerto Rican culture include international projects like «El Sudario de La Ceiba de Ponce.» (Photo by David Heitur from Dream Art Studio)
Lili Daliessio is the Community Information Manager at Esperanza Housing and Economic Development.
