Exhibition of artists and craftsmen from Puerto Rico

“This is called precious, and is meditating with the Puerto Rican culture, and there has the national tree of Puerto Rico, the Flamboyán, the national flower and nose that is well known and the African culture of Bomba and Plena which is part of the our blood”.

For the past seventeen years, the National Artisan Fair and Book Exposition has served as a platform for more than 80 Puerto Rican artists in New York City and nationwide.

An event that the painter Hiram Rodríguez undoubtedly knew how to exploit to show his community his works that date back to his Island of Enchantment.

“It’s an important thing because many artists like me need, we need to express art and this platform is the perfect place to exhibit our art,” Rodríguez said.

The Puerto Rican Institute for the Development of the Arts, in association with the November Committee, brings this fair to the Bronx with a mission to preserve and promote Puerto Rican artists and the arts, as its president Teresa Santiago tells us.

“Many times our artists take their art as something secondary and don’t do it as a company or business, but we support them so they can sell their products and bring, promote and see the beautiful things they make with their hands of art. “Santiago said.

In addition to promoting the celebration of Puerto Rican culture and its achievements, the event seeks to raise awareness of the issues facing the island and how the diaspora can help.

“We will also have a seminar, a conversation that we are calling you. The people of Puerto Rico will come and explain to us what is happening there, especially with the elderly and the SSI,” Santiago added.

The fair is one of the most important during Puerto Rican Heritage Month according to Santiago, and will be full of culture, history, dance, music and joy for all who wish to participate.

During the pandemic, when everyone was sheltering in their homes, this traditional event was presented virtually, but now returns in person completely free this Saturday November 19th at Hostos Community College from 12:00 to 18:00.