3:30pm: Artists’ Talk at Richard Levy Gallery, 514 Central Ave. SW

5-6pm: Member Preview join the Friends of 516 ARTS at 516arts.org/join

6-8pm: Public Celebration Free

Join us for a talk with guest artists before the opening of Puerto Rico: Defying Darkness. Ramón Bonilla creates paintings and wall installations re-imagining architectural spaces as a way of looking to the future. Nathan Budoff’s urban scenes juxtaposed with ocean life reflect on issues of dislocation, environmental degradation, the tenuous situation of the island and the ambiguity of being neither part of the U.S. nor independent. Frances Gallardo’s graphic works and installations analyze hurricanes and other aspects of the natural world. Patrick McGrath Muñiz looks to Renaissance painting techniques to explore contemporary Puerto Rican identity, climate change and the economic challenges that many individuals are facing on the Island. The Member Preview includes a walk-through of the exhibition with curator Dr. Josie Lopez. At the public celebration, DJ Pancho Quiñones shares the music of Puerto Rico, including reggae, jazz, salsa and folk music of the mountain regions, as well as bomba y plena, which comes from the African Diaspora. Dedication by City Councilor Isaac Bentonat 6:30pm. Catering generously provided by Slow Roasted Bocadillos.