April 2014: Cinco de Mayo Comes to the Museum of the Albemarle May 3

NEWS RELEASE

Administrator:  Bill McCrea

Contact:  Charlotte Patterson

(252) 335-1453

Release:  April 16, 2014

Cinco de Mayo Comes to the Museum of the Albemarle May 3

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – Spicy adventures in cooking, colorfully-clad dancers and piñatas for the kids will highlight the buzz of activity at the Museum of the Albemarle May 3 Cinco de Mayo:  A Fiesta and Information Fair. Currently exhibiting Al Norte al Norte:  Latino Life in North Carolina, the day of celebration is one of the related free programs for the free photography exhibit, running through July 5.

Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist Jose Galvez moved to North Carolina from Arizona in 2004 and began documenting life in the Latino community, of business owners, farm laborers and grandparents alike. The 2010 U.S. Census reports that 8.4 per cent of the state’s population is Latino, compared to 1.2 percent 20 years earlier.  In 51 photographs, Galvez reflects the Latino community adapting to and shaping life across North Carolina.

Galvez will conduct tours of the exhibit in English and Spanish the fiesta and fair. Al Norte al Norte is the museum’s first bilingual exhibit. Featured artist Cornelio Campos also will exhibit and sell paintings that reflect the complex realities of migrant life that often are concealed, including immigration, the U.S. Mexico border difficulties, and cultural identity.

Ballet Folklorico—Espirito from Pitt County will perform three dances throughout the day in traditional costumes.  Local chef Jack Baumbaugh, graduate of San Francisco’s California Culinary Academy, will tantalize the taste buds with various salsas for tasting. Local vendors will have food for purchase also.

Jewelry, scarves, purses, and children’s items will be sold by local vendors as well. Hands-on children’s activities will include making Cascarones, piñatas, and maracas. A storytelling session will feed the imagination and “Shine Boy Stories and Photographs” by Jose Galvez is available in the museum gift shop. Handcrafted items from the Albemarle region, including jewelry, pottery and ornaments also are available.

The Association of Mexicans in North Carolina, Inc. (AMEXCAN) Community Resources Center will sponsor an informational fair with information on health care, safety, education, and activities in the area. Eastern North Carolina Stop Human Trafficking Now will participate and also sell handmade items to support their efforts.

The museum is seeking additional food and craft vendors for the fiesta. Application information is available by email at moa@ncdcr.gov or by calling (252) 335-1453. Informational fair vendors may submit a copy of their non-profit status and the application fee will be waived.  

Al Norte al Norte and the Cinco de Mayo: A Fiesta and Information Fair builds on the examination of faith, family, culture and work of the Latino community in North Carolina. Take advantage of the free exhibit, related programs and events.

For additional information call (252) 355-1453. Follow us on Facebook for additional details including a schedule of fiesta events.

Al Norte al Norte received support from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, North Carolina Humanities Council, N.C. Museum of History Associates, and Friends of the Museum of the Albemarle.