Museum features Latin American culture from around the globe

Las Vegas residents and visitors don't have to travel far to see the culture and history of South American and other Latin American countries. These elements can be viewed at the Hispanic Museum of Nevada, which celebrated its grand opening in January.

The museum, a non profit organization since 1991, found a home inside the Boulevard Mall, 3680 S. Maryland Parkway. Executive director Lynnette Sawyer said the museum's location is ideal because of its size and proximity to mostly Hispanic neighborhoods.

"We've had several homes in the past, and every time we've moved, we try to get a larger building," Sawyer said. "I'm very happy because it's our first real home. We're usually in lobbies or little halls, and this is our first real space."

The museum features displays of works by local artists, costumes and trinkets from countries such as Mexico, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Bolivia and others. The feedback from visitors so far, Sawyer said, is more positive than she anticipated.

"People come in and they're surprised," Sawyer said. "We've had people come in and really get emotional to see their own culture. We've had a lot of people who come repeatedly and bring family members or visitors from out of town. It's a non traditional setting, but it really pulls in people who would not normally go to a museum."

The museum extends beyond displays. It also offers classes in painting, embroidery, metal embossing, recycled art and specific programs for children and seniors. Sawyer said the new location allows opportunities to expand the organization's programs and add more to its list of offerings.

"We've always tried to be diverse by bringing in local and international exhibits and programs," Sawyer said. "We've strengthened our programs now so we can become an asset to Las Vegas. We want to include workshops with artists, publishers, writers and sports figures on topics like geography, art and literature to show (how) the cultural and economic contributions of Latinos should not be taken for granted."

One reason the museum was able to move into its current location, Sawyer said, is because of what Boulevard Mall general manager Ric Jimenez saw in its potential to attract visitors from all walks of life.

"We look at our malls as community gathering places," Jimenez said. "There is never enough art and culture ... and this is about exposing Latino (culture) to the community. Great things flourish from the most unlikely places, and I think you're seeing that here."

The Hispanic Museum of Nevada's most notable events include the Las Vegas Latino Short Film Festival. The event, which has seen success with sold-out attendance in the past few years, showcases eight- to 25-minute documentaries by Latino filmmakers. Sawyer said the festival is one she hopes to build upon as the museum grows in popularity.

Another program Sawyer hopes to build upon is Memories in Art, in which seniors can create paintings and other artworks depicting memorable moments in their lives. Sawyer said the program allows seniors to interact with children in an unconventional way.

"This (program) is an opportunity for seniors to get involved with the community," Sawyer said. "Seniors go into schools with the artists and present their works to children. Children don't often have the opportunity to interact with people not their age, so this is good for the artists, good for the seniors and great for the kids."

Above all, Sawyer's mission with the Hispanic Museum of Nevada is to expose visitors to cultures with which they are unfamiliar or know little about.

"I think what makes (the museum) unique is we have (involved) 21 Hispanic countries into one site in Las Vegas," Sawyer said. "This is really all-encompassing. I think it's a wonderful lesson in how to mix culture and be successful in it."

For more information, including a list of classes and events, call 773-2203 or visit hispanicmuseumnv.com.

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-4686.