Hispanic Heritage Community Celebration in Green River
On Saturday, Sept. 19, the Sweetwater County Historical Museum hosted a vibrant Hispanic Heritage Community Celebration in collaboration with local organizations, including Juntos Wyoming and BRIDGES for Community and Unity. This event highlighted the rich tapestry of Hispanic art and culture in Sweetwater County.
The celebration featured the opening reception for Angie Quintana Bennett’s art exhibit, “A Visual History of Home & Heritage,” which will be on display at the museum until Nov. 7. Bennett, a Green River artist, showcased her Hispanic heritage through watercolor and acrylic paintings that reflect her love for the natural world and include landscapes and portraits.
Attendees enjoyed traditional dances from Mexico, Colombia, and Peru performed by Cheyenne’s folklórico group, Las Angelitas Unidas y Los Rayos del Sol. The “baile folklórico” features diverse dance styles influenced by local folklore, with each region presenting its unique interpretation.
The event also offered traditional food from Mexico and Guatemala, craft vendors, and a resource fair organized by Juntos. Many community members from Rock Springs and Green River gathered to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, supported by a Culture Grows Grant from Wyoming Humanities.
In addition, the museum is hosting a Family Craft Night on Oct. 15 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to celebrate Día de los Muertos, the “Day of the Dead.” This free event requires registration. For more details, visit sweetwatermuseum.org/explore/events.
