"Arts After Dark" will have a Spanish accent Wednesday – it's a fiesta to open the observance of Hispanic Heritage Month on St. Thomas.
Presented by the St. Thomas-St. John Arts Council, the event will feature the music, dance, poetry, visual artwork, food and drink of Hispanic peoples and places.
It takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Tillett Gardens, co-hosted by the Languages Unlimited school and Polli's Mexican restaurant, both located within the Tillett complex.
Young people from local schools will demonstrate their Spanish language skills as well as their appreciation of Hispanic heritage. An alcove in the Tillett Gallery will feature work by Hispanic artists and with Hispanic themes. Languages Unlimited will offer mini-lessons en español and Polli's will provide complimentary Mexican finger food and operate a cash bar specializing in margaritas, cuba libres, piña coladas and several brands of cerveza.
The St. Thomas-St. John Arts Council is a not-for-profit, membership-based arts advocacy organization. It's not related to the V.I. Council on the Arts, the government agency that disseminates federal arts funds in the territory.
"Arts After Dark" focuses on different arts forms and takes place at different venues each month. Children accompanied by adults are welcome Wednesday evening. Admission is free. There'll be a raffle to benefit the Arts Council.