Latino musicians have had a strong impact on traditional genres of music, ranging from hip-hop, blues, jazz, country, rock’n’roll and pop. A local Fresno museum, Arte Americas, has partnered with the Smithsonian to debut the newest project “American Sabor {American Flavor}: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music” in Fresno and the surrounding counties.

The partnership’s goal is to inform the public about the ripple effect Latinos have had on music and to help strengthen Latino pride throughout the community.

The traveling Smithsonian exhibition will be on view at the Arte Americas museum in Fresno, CA, from Nov. 17 through Jan 20, 2013. The exhibit will present the musicians that have contributed to American music, which has changed the way individuals viewed and listened to music forever.

The building is filled with vibrant colored art created by local and international artist. The museum also explores the history of well-known Latin-American artists, including Tito Puente, Ritchie Valens, Celia Cruz, Carlos Santana, Gloria Estefan and the late Selena Quintanilla, as well as late local artists.

The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), created in 1988, is the largest traveling exhibition program in the world and for 56 years it has been the institution?s main exhibits ambassador beyond Washington D.C.. Ana R. Cohn is the Director of SITES and endorses the traveling exhibition throughout the five major cities effected by the Latin culture: New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, San Antonio and San Francisco.

“The impact of Latino musicians on American popular music moves beyond the unmistakable rhythms and dance,” Cohn said. “‘American Sabor’ tells the broader story of Latino communities and how their artistry expresses their experience as Americans.”

Each exhibition focuses on five major centers of Latino popular music production that represent remarkable diversity of this type of music. Each city section explores the broader histories and cultures that created the music from those areas, including how the musical innovations of Latino youths crossed ethnic and racial boundaries and helped shape American popular music, how immigration and migration influenced Latino and U.S. popular music and the ways in which Latinos have musically expressed their experiences as Americans.

Without the proper funding the Arte Americas and the Smithsonian would not be able to reach out to the community. The Ford Motor Company Fund, EMP Museum, and the University of Washington have helped contribute time, money, staff and research to help further the Smithsonian’s community outreach. Maria Pineda, a Ford Company Fund representative, is just one of the few a part of the funding staff.

“I work on behalf of Ford Motor Company Fund, which is the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company,” Pineda said. “Their goal is to be involved in communities where they live, work and do business. Part of Ford’s main purpose for giving back to the communities where they do business is to be involved in three specific areas: education, drivers’ safety and community life. When we {Ford} talk about a project like ‘American Sabor,’ we are talking about community life in the sense that it is covering a very important subject of the Latino influence in American popular music. Us being the national sponsor, Ford is involved in every aspect of the traveling exhibition.”

Divided into five sections, “American Sabor” explores the influence of Latino musicians in post-World War II America through the lens of major centers of Latino music productions. Two films made specifically for the exhibition bring Latino music and dance to life for visitors; each short film features performance footage and filmed interviews with artist and experts. Nancy Marquez, Co-Founder of Arte America, discusses the goals of the foundation.

“The main goal of Arte Americas here in Fresno is to help engage both young and old in the Latino Culture,” Marquez said. “It is important that the Latino Americans not forget their heritage, but most importantly to help in-steel the sense of pride for being a Latino.”

Guided listening stations are also provided at the museum as an extra feature for those who want a more personal and in depth experience at Arte Americas. Visitors also have the option to dance to their favorite music on the exhibitions dance floor.

American Sabor will be bolstered through dynamic community and educational programs provided by Arte Americas to help maximize their profits. Arte America will present several concerts, lectures and performances free of charge to the community.

The admission into the museum is free through the duration of the exhibit. The grand opening is Nov. 17. Gallery hours are: Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sun. from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m..

For more features, read the Nov. 15 article, Renowned photographer inspires with passion.