Arts Economic Impact study for Napa County by Americans for the Arts FY 2008

Sponsors

Sato Foundation Jewish Community Fosters Foundation California Arts Council National Endowment for the Arts California Arts Council Napa Valley Community Foundation Hewlett Foundation Americans for the Arts Napa Valley Heritage Fund Koret Foundation

Hispanic Enclusion

ACNV Alliance with Napa County Hispanic Network

(By Dan Monez, Fundraising Chair, NCHN) The Napa County Hispanic Network Board of Directors met with James Byrum and Azalea Aguilar on February 25th to discuss how the Arts Council in general and the Arts Council Calendar specifically, can better inform, connect and integrate the Latino community in Napa County. The Hispanic Network Board unanimously approved using the calendar as one of the primary tools for its Marketing Committee and Public Relations Committee to communicate arts and cultural events and activities of interest to Latinos in the region. The Network will also direct Hispanic artists and event promoters to the Arts Council Napa Valley for assistance in promoting their works.

Hispanic Community Outreach & "The Calendar Gal!"

Azalea Aguilar, Hispanic Community Outreach

Arts advocate, long-time supporter and volunteer of Arts Council Napa Valley, Azalea Aguilar joined the team as the official "Calendar Gal!", an important point-person for the NVarts.org Arts & Culture Event Calendar---helping to bridge the non-profit and the Hispanic community together. She assists in fulfilling an important role of the Community Cultural Plan, "To Ensure Enclusion". Her objective is to communicate the benefits of Arts Council programs including the calendar to the Napa Valley Hispanic community.

Born in Mexico City, Azalea grew up in the state of Sinaloa where she obtained a degree in education and a MA in History. She moved to Los Angeles in 1983 and graduated with a double major in Spanish and Art, a minor in Chicano Studies, and an MA in Spanish Literature.

Azalea then moved from Los Angeles to Napa Valley in 1998, and started her career as an Educator teaching Spanish to Spanish-speaking students at Vintage High School for over twelve years, and Spanish as a foreign language at Napa Valley College for over nine years.

Azalea's involvement in the arts comes not only from her educational background, but from being the wife of Napa Valley artist, Oscar Aguilar Olea. As an educator, the arts are part of her curriculum; a way to enhance and help the lives of individuals, crossing the barriers of race, culture, language and beliefs. You will find her representing the Council at Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce mixers, Napa County Hispanic Network meetings and at special events. Please feel free to email her with any questions!