“It is a wonderful way to create bridges, to create awareness, to expand the arts economy of a city and to recognize the contributions of Latinos.”

A four-month, citywide celebration that explores and celebrates local and national Latino and Latin American artists is currently underway. Latino Art Now! Houston features more than 70 art exhibitions and other forms of cultural engagement at UH, area museums, galleries and cultural centers.

"It is a wonderful way to create bridges, to create awareness, to expand the arts economy of a city and to recognize the contributions of Latinos," said Pamela Quiroz, director of the Center for Mexican American Studies.

The Inter-University Program for Latino Research at the University of Houston Center for Mexican American Studies joined forces with the city of Houston to host LAN! Houston, which runs through May 31.

"The art reflects us, it identifies us and in many ways, it compels us to action and to see ourselves and our contributions to this city and this country," Quiroz said.

The centerpiece of the event is the Latino Art Now! Conference, one of the nation's leading forums for visual artists, art historians, curators, collectors and educators, which will be hosted by UH in early April.

"I think it is safe to say that it is a very big deal," Quiroz said. "It is a national forum; it puts us at the table."