A Puerto Rican Cooking Fiesta - Monday, October 6 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Instructor: Assemblymember Jon Rivera, 149th District & Esther Rivera
Embark on a flavorful journey through the vibrant culinary traditions of Puerto Rico in a cooking class led by a dynamic duo—Assemblymember Rivera and his beloved mom, Esther Rivera! With hands-on guidance and heartwarming anecdotes, you will be transported to the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean, to learn the soulful essence of Puerto Rican cuisine. Get ready to savor the spices, sizzle with excitement, and create unforgettable recipes in this delicious celebration of food, family, and culture. ¡Buen provecho!
Servicios Públicos del Condado de Erie / Public Services in Erie County - Thursday, October 9 | 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Instructor: Justin Read, Associate Professor of Romance Languages and Literatures, University at Buffalo; Board of Directors, Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York
Erie County offers a wealth of public services that are often underutilized. This bilingual (Spanish/English) session provides guidance on how to navigate local services, including health care, senior care, legal aid, and youth services.
El Condado de Erie ofrece una cantidad amplia de servicios públicos que muchas veces están subutilizados. Esta sesión bilingüe (Español/Inglés) intenta dar información en cuanto cómo navegar servicios locales, incluso atención médica, salud, programas para mayores de edad, asistencia legal y servicios para jóvenes.
** Class will be taught in Spanish with English interpretation.
Magic Charm Pin Workshop - Thursday, October 16 | 1-3 p.m.
Instructor: Aileen Gonzalez-Marti, Manager of Senior Programs at West Side Community Services, Multidisciplinary Artist, and Co-founder of Los Artistas del Barrio Buffalo
Create your own magical charm pin using a felt base, a safety pin, and a mix of textile scraps and personal charms. This hands-on workshop invites participants to explore texture, color, and symbolism while crafting a wearable piece of art that carries personal meaning or intention. All materials will be provided.
Linocut Postcard Workshop - Thursday, November 13 | 1-3 p.m.
Instructor: Aileen Gonzalez-Marti, Manager of Senior Programs at West Side Community Services, Multidisciplinary Artist, and Co-founder of Los Artistas del Barrio Buffalo
Discover the art of linocut in this hands-on class! Linocut is a type of relief printing, meaning that the areas that are not meant to print are carved away, and the raised surface is inked and printed.
Learn to draw, carve, and ink your design using various tools. Experience the thrill of creating prints by transferring your inked lino block onto paper. Perfect for beginners. All materials will be provided.
Healing Through Art: Meditative Angel Ornaments Workshop - Thursday, December 18 | 1-3 p.m.
Instructor: Aileen Gonzalez-Marti, Manager of Senior Programs at West Side Community Services, Multidisciplinary Artist, and Co-founder of Los Artistas del Barrio Buffalo
Enter a peaceful, heart-centered space were calm meets creativity. In this workshop, you’ll create your own meditation angel ornament, beginning with a gentle guided meditation to ground and inspire you. Surrounded by soft music and beautiful materials like feathers, crystals, and wood, you’ll craft with intention and intuition—no experience needed. We’ll close with a reflective sharing circle, and you’ll leave with a handmade angel carrying your personal message of peace, love, or protection. All materials will be provided.
