[media-credit id=173 align=”alignright” width=”300″][/media-credit]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.

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.