Behind each portrait, there is a unique story from an individual from Rhode Island’s Latino community, highlighting the diversity of experiences, challenges overcome, and meaningful contributions of Latinas, Latinos, and Latinx individuals. Together, these faces form a vibrant mosaic of migration, identity, and cultural heritage—underscoring the lasting impact of Latino history in shaping the state’s present and future.
The exhibit will run from May 1 to July 18, 2025 | NOTE: The original portraits are not for sale. Prints will be made available to purchase upon request. To inquire, write to: Marta V. Martínez
The exhibit will run from May 1 to July 18, 2025 | NOTE: The original portraits are not for sale. Prints will be made available to purchase upon request. To inquire, write to: Marta V. Martínez
Gallery Hours
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
You may contact us to arrange a private tour
Closing Night for the show will be a Gallery Night stop in July
Student Field Trips
Middle & high school student groups can visit the SCC on any Wednesday between 11-2pm from May 14 through July 31 to view the exhibit and learn more about Nuestras Raíces and the people who have contributed to Latino history of Rhode Island. Teachers: Contact us here to arrange a visit: lagaleria@rilatinoarts.org
Address: Southside Cultural Center, 393 Broad St. Providence. Ample parking in the back lot as you enter via Bridgham Street.
Address: Southside Cultural Center, 393 Broad St. Providence. Ample parking in the back lot as you enter via Bridgham Street.
Before Your Visit: Make sure your students are ready to engage with the stories behind the portraits in the exhibit. To support their learning, we've provided background readings and resources. Click the button below to download the handout that best fits your students’ age group, and be sure to bring copies with you to the exhibit.
Café Recuerdos espresso cups available for sale!
The original Café Recuerdos: A Traveling Memory Café, created by Cuban-American artist Ana Flores, will be on display at the SCC to accompany the Somos Rhode Island exhibition. The images depicted on Café Bustelo coffee cans tell the story of Rhode Island's Latino History (Nuestras Raíces).
As part of the Café Recuerdos installation, we will be dispensing coffee — the smell of coffee is a way to bring people together while they visit us. The cart encourages community engagement in public spaces. Next to the cart, we have set up a temporary café with bistro chairs and a table and a hand-held recorder, where we invite visitors to have a plática over un cafecito — to drink their coffee and share stories with us.
Café Recuerdos espresso cups available for sale!
Café Recuerdos espresso cups available for sale!
Above: Blanca & Darío Herrera; Estelita & Zonanni Ortega; Josefina & Tony Rosario; Jay Giutarri; Tessie Salabert & Miriam Gorriarán; Juán Francisco; Victor Mendóza, Manuel Rivera; Roberto González; José González.
Above: Father Ray; Ozzie Castillo; Marta V. Martínez; Enrique Sánchez Mora; Ada Terrero; Margarita Cepeda; Juan Pichardo; Anastasia Williams; Oscar Pérez; Juanita Sánchez.
Above: María Rivera; Gustavo Carreño; Patricia Martínez; Nellie Gorbea; Sabina Matos; Angelica Infante-Green; Grace Díaz; Angel Taveras; James Diossa; Luis Aponte.
This exhibition showcases a collection of 30 portraits created by artist René Gómez.
Each represents a unique story of individuals from the Latino community in Rhode Island. These portraits reflect the diversity, struggles, achievements, and contributions of Latinas, Latinos, and Latinx people to the state's rich cultural tapestry. Each face not only represents a person but also an intricate narrative of migration, identity, heritage, and resilience, emphasizing the impact of Latino history in shaping the state's present and future.
Each represents a unique story of individuals from the Latino community in Rhode Island. These portraits reflect the diversity, struggles, achievements, and contributions of Latinas, Latinos, and Latinx people to the state's rich cultural tapestry. Each face not only represents a person but also an intricate narrative of migration, identity, heritage, and resilience, emphasizing the impact of Latino history in shaping the state's present and future.
In addition to the portraits, there is an installation featuring small trees, symbolizing Nuestras Raíces (Our Latino Roots). These trees stands as a powerful metaphor for the deep-rooted connections people of Latino heritage have with their heritage, culture, and families, symbolizing growth, strength, and the flourishing of their contributions in the U.S. The branches represent the diverse stories and the interwoven paths of the Latino community, while the roots delve into the historical and cultural ties that continue to nourish and shape their identity. Visitors will be invited to write a note and hang it on one of the branches.
Funds for this project have been made possible with a grant from Historic New England.
Funds were also initially awarded in January of 2025 by Rhode Island Humanities (RIH), an independent state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. RIH seeds, supports, and strengthens public history, cultural heritage, civic education, and community engagement by and for all Rhode Islanders.
This exhibition showcases a collection of 30 portraits created by artist René Gómez
On March 31, 2025, the White House Administration announced plans to target the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) by significantly downsizing its staff, cutting vital grant programs, and even rescinding previously awarded grants. Ours was among those rescinded.
Despite this setback, we are moving forward. We have chosen to install this exhibition and open our doors to the public — because our stories deserve to be heard, and our histories will not be erased.
Despite this setback, we are moving forward. We have chosen to install this exhibition and open our doors to the public — because our stories deserve to be heard, and our histories will not be erased.
This exhibition showcases a collection of 30 portraits created by artist René Gómez
