"Dances of Mexico" Launches National Arts and Humanities Month With Color and Flair

Editor's Note: Information from this article also appears in the city-issued Cerritos News October 2011 edition.

Pull out your paint brushes, dancing shoes, and get ready to reconnect with the creative side of your brain because October is National Arts and Humanities Month, and the City of Cerritos is ready to celebrate with a series of art-themed activities and events through the end of October.

Last Sunday, the Cerritos Library kicked off the festivities with a colorful display of dancing and music entitled "Dances of Mexico" performed by children, teens and adults from Alma Latina Long Beach. (See image carousel for photos from the performances.)

The group of dancers were presented with certificates by Mayor Pro Tem Jim Edwards, Cerritos Fine Arts Commissioner Julietta Williams and city Librarian Padmini Prabhakar following the performances.

NAHM focuses on the importance of arts, humanities and culture in America. This month aims to encourage all Americans to explore new facets of the arts and humanities in hopes of beginning a lifelong habit of celebrating creativity and culture in every day life.

Recreation Services Division Events

As part of National Arts and Humanities Month, the city’s Recreation Services Division will hold art-themed children’s activities throughout October. Activities such as “Little One’s Hour,” “Friday Night Kids,” “Half Pint’s Night” and after-school programs will have themes focusing on the visual and performing arts. An excursion to the Museum of Contemporary Art will be held on Saturday, October 15. For more information, call the Recreation Services Division at (562) 916-1254.

Cerritos Senior Center Events

at will feature art and dance classes in October, including the following ongoing classes: Ballroom Dance, Ceramics, Chorus, Decorative painting, Felting, Hula, Knitting and Crocheting, Literature Group, Topiary, Writing your Life Stories and Zumba. October at the Cerritos Senior Center will also feature a Halloween Dance and the following one-time classes: Beginning Art for Seniors, Card Making, Creative Tote Making and Decorating for Fall with Balloons. In addition, arts and crafts from Senior Center classes will be on display in the World Hall area. For more information, call the Cerritos Senior Center at (562) 916-8550.

Cerritos Library Events

will incorporate numerous art-themed events into its October schedule, including a presentation of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” a puppet show by Kiddle Karoo, art and origami classes for children, a cartooning class, art and writing contests for children, Chinese Brush Art classes and a book making class. A display of artwork by local students will also be featured at the Library in October. Visit the library's website for more information.