Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center

This afternoon we went out as a team with Becky Aviles, our long time artist collaborator, looking for materials for Parade the Circle. Today’s trip to Open Threads led us on a journey of community, opportunity, and creative curiosity. What an unexpected gem in the middle of Cleveland! Tucked away on a small one-way street, this creative non-profit offers so much more than just the expected. Here you can find sewing education, job skills development, a space of connection, materials at an affordable price, and a mission of sustainability at its core. As we waltzed through Open Threads, Becky started pulling out bolt after bolt of fabric in all sorts of vibrant colors. With her smile growing, she explained her vision of costumes and accessories to bring her project to life. She’s planning costumes for Latin Social Dance, Latina Image Leadership Program, and her giant puppets. Resulting in costuming for over 30 participants and only 9 weeks to sew! We were so grateful to have this visit with Becky and Open Threads, supporting local nonprofits just like our own. If you haven’t had the chance to visit Open Threads , we encourage you to go! They’re located at 1370 W 69th St, Cleveland, OH 44102 and you can learn more about them on their instagram @openthreadscle . Go and explore all the possibilities at Open Threads! We hope it excites you, just like it did for us.

Who knew power tools and rhythm could go so well together? On March 7 & 8, we hosted a 2-day cajón building and rhythm workshop with Andy Miller at the Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center, and it was incredible to watch these instruments come to life. Participants didn’t just learn rhythms. They built their own cajones from scratch, explored the history of the instrument across Latin and South America, and learned Afro-Cuban, Afro-Peruvian, and flamenco grooves along the way. From carefully labeled kits to teamwork assembling each box, the room was full of curiosity, creativity, and community. The best part? These cajones will now be used in our arts education and outreach programs, giving students the chance to experience rhythm in a hands-on way. Huge thank you to Andy Miller for sharing his knowledge, to the Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center for hosting, and to everyone who joined us and helped build something special together.

El amor es algo que construimos. En nuestro taller de San Valentín, el listón se convirtió en rosas y la creatividad se transformó en conexión. Nuestra comunidad se reunió alrededor de mesas llenas de color y rollos de listón sedoso, dándoles forma cuidadosamente hasta convertirlos en hermosos ramos. Momentos como estos están en el corazón de nuestra misión. El año pasado conocimos a un joven que estaba perfeccionando este arte, y lo invitamos a co liderar el taller y compartir su talento con nuestra comunidad. Cuando a las y los jóvenes se les brinda espacio para crear, liderar y compartir sus dones, algo hermoso sucede. La confianza crece. La comunidad se fortalece. El arte se convierte en un lenguaje de amor. Lo que comenzó como listón floreció en algo más que ramos. Se convirtió en una experiencia de pertenencia y expresión. Ese es el tipo de amor que siempre cultivamos. /// Love is something we create. At our Valentine’s Day workshop, ribbon became roses and creativity became connection. Our comunidad gathered around tables filled with color and rolls of silky ribbons carefully shaping them into beautiful bouquets. Moments like this are the heart of our mission. Last year we met a young man perfecting this craft. We invited him to co-lead the workshop and share his gift with our community. When young people are given space to create, to lead, and to share their gifts, something beautiful happens. Confidence grows. Community deepens. Art becomes a language of love. What began as ribbon bloomed into more than bouquets. It became an experience of belonging and expression.That is the kind of love we always cultivate.

Third Friday Family Art Workshop series continues this evening! Only a few spots left for this session. Register before it's too late!🎨 Join us for our FREE Third Friday Family Art Workshop, presented in partnership with Art Therapy Studio. Families are invited to spend an evening creating art side by side in a welcoming, supportive space. No experience needed, just come ready to make something together. Friday, May 15 | 6:00–7:30 PM Where: Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center 2800 Archwood Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44109 Join us every third Friday and make art as a family. Learn more by visiting juliadeburgos.org/calendar and make sure to register before our spots fill up! Questions? Call (216) 894-5664 or email [email protected] /// ¡La serie de talleres de arte familiar del tercer viernes continúa esta noche! Solo quedan algunos espacios para esta sesión, ¡regístrate antes de que se llenen!🎨 Acompáñanos en nuestro taller GRATIS de arte familiar del tercer viernes, presentado en colaboración con Art Therapy Studio. Invitamos a las familias a compartir una tarde creando arte juntos en un espacio acogedor y de apoyo. No necesitas experiencia, solo ven con ganas de crear en familia. Viernes, 15 de mayo | 6:00–7:30 PM Lugar: Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center 2800 Archwood Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44109 Únete cada tercer viernes y crea arte en familia. Para más información, visita juliadeburgos.org/calendar y asegúrate de registrarte antes de que se llenen los espacios. ¿Preguntas? Llama al (216) 894-5664 o escribe a [email protected]

Make a difference today! Isabella's story is just one example of the life-changing impact your support makes possible. When you donate to our center, you help keep programs like these growing; creating safe spaces for young women to build confidence, find their voice, and transform their futures. Support our mission and help us continue empowering the next generation. Give today by using our QR code or the link in our bio! 🌺 /// ¡Haz la diferencia hoy! La historia de Isabella es solo un ejemplo del impacto tan poderoso que tu apoyo hace posible. Cuando donas a nuestro centro, ayudas a que programas como estos sigan creciendo; creando espacios seguros para que jóvenes mujeres desarrollen confianza, encuentren su voz y transformen su futuro. Apoya nuestra misión y ayúdanos a seguir empoderando a la próxima generación. ¡Dona hoy usando nuestro código QR o el enlace en nuestra biografía! 🌺

🎤☕️ Today is the Day yall…… Café Y Coraje! 🌈✨ Join us for an evening of community, connection, karaoke, healing, laughter, and empowerment with the Multi Cultural Queer+ Association! 💕 Whether you come to sing, meet new people, share your story, or simply enjoy the vibes — this space is for YOU. Maybe sing a song or two for Karaoke! 🗓 Wednesday, May 13, 2026 ⏰ 6PM–7PM 📍 Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center 2800 Archwood Ave, Cleveland, OH Refreshments will be provided 🍽🎶 Let’s continue building safe and welcoming spaces for queer, Latinx, immigrant, and allied communities — one cafecito at a time ☕️💖 We can’t wait to see everyone there! #CafeYCoraje #LGBTQCommunity #ClevelandEvents #LatinxPride #QueerJoy CommunityHealing KaraokeNight LGBTQCleveland SafeSpaces MCQA

Sewing Stories: Embroider Your Dicho Favorito with Alice Lawhorn of Abrepaso Flamenco (@abrepasoflamenco ) “Más vale tarde que nunca.” Every family has a Dicho — those sayings passed down from generation to generation that make us laugh, reflect, and remember home. Join us for a special 2-day embroidery workshop inspired by the Dichos that shaped our lives. Participants will explore cultural sayings, share stories, and create their own embroidered placemat featuring their favorite Dicho — perfect as art, décor, or a conversation starter at the table. 🪡 Workshop 1 | May 14 Brainstorm your Dicho, sketch your design, and learn the basics of chain stitching with guided practice. 🪡 Workshop 2 | May 21 Bring your design to life using the embroidery techniques learned in Workshop 1. Participants are encouraged to bring upcycled materials like fabric scraps, old placemats, cloth, or napkins to personalize their piece. Come celebrate storytelling, tradition, and creativity through fiber arts and community. ✨ WHEN: Thursday, May 14th & May 21st 6:00-8:00 PM WHERE: Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center (2800 Archwood Ave.) FREE program • Recommended for ages 12+ The entire family is welcome! Additional activities available for children unable to sew. Register online at juliadeburgos.org/calendar Questions? Email [email protected] or call (216) 894-5664 See less

Lights, ipads, ACTION! ✨ This past Friday, we gathered for Hilos Familiares, a stop motion animation workshop with Render Me Softly (@rendermesoftly.mp4 ), led by artists Laura Camila Medina and James Negron. The space quickly came alive with imagination in this collaborative experience. Me encantó ver King at the workshop – a 6 year old and an artist in his own right! He was our little assistant all evening, keeping us on track with his vision and making us all feel at home during the workshop. Using technology borrowed from the Cleveland Institute of Art, we collaborated to transform family memories into visual collages. We’re excited to share that the final animations will be featured at our Block Party Exhibition on June 26th and we’d love to see you there. Grateful to everyone who showed up, shared their creativity, and helped make the evening so meaningful 💛 /// ¡Luces, iPads, ACCIÓN! ✨ Este pasado viernes nos reunimos para Hilos Familiares, un taller de animación stop motion junto a Render Me Softly (@rendermesoftly.mp4 ), dirigido por les artistas Laura Camila Medina y James Negrón. El espacio rapidito se llenó de imaginación en esta experiencia colaborativa.¡Me encantó ver a King en el taller! Con solo 6 añitos, ya es artista por derecho propio. Fue nuestro asistente pequeño toda la noche, manteniéndonos enfocados con su visión y haciendo que todes nos sintiéramos en casa durante el taller. Usando tecnología prestada por el Cleveland Institute of Art, colaboramos para transformar memorias familiares en collages visuales. Nos emociona compartir que las animaciones finales se estarán presentando en nuestra Exhibición Block Party el 26 de junio, y nos encantaría verles allí. Agradecidos con cada persona que llegó, compartió su creatividad y ayudó a que la noche fuera tan significativa 💛

Third Friday Family Art Workshop series continues this Friday! Register before it's too late! Join us for our FREE Third Friday Family Art Workshop, presented in partnership with Art Therapy Studio. Families are invited to spend an evening creating art side by side in a welcoming, supportive space. No experience needed, just come ready to make something together. Friday, May 15th | 6:00–7:30 PM Where: Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center 2800 Archwood Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44109 Join us every third Friday and make art as a family. Learn more by visiting juliadeburgos.org/calendar and make sure to register before our spots fill up! Questions? Call (216) 894-5664 or email [email protected] /// ¡La serie de Talleres de Arte Familiar del Tercer Viernes continúa este viernes!¡Regístrate antes de que se acaben! Únete a nuestro Taller de Arte Familiar del Tercer Viernes, totalmente GRATIS, presentado en colaboración con Art Therapy Studio. Invitamos a las familias a pasar una tarde creando arte juntos, en un espacio acogedor y de apoyo. No se necesita experiencia, solo ven listo para crear algo en familia. Viernes, 15 de mayo | 6:00–7:30 PM Dónde: Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center 2800 Archwood Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44109 Únete cada tercer viernes y crea arte en familia. Para más información, visita juliadeburgos.org/calendar y asegúrate de registrarte antes de que se llenen los cupos. ¿Preguntas? Llama al (216) 894-5664 o escribe a [email protected]

Sewing Stories: Embroider Your Dicho Favorito with Alice Lawhorn of Abrepaso Flamenco (@abrepasoflamenco ) “Más vale tarde que nunca.” Every family has a Dicho — those sayings passed down from generation to generation that make us laugh, reflect, and remember home. Join us for a special 2-day embroidery workshop inspired by the Dichos that shaped our lives. Participants will explore cultural sayings, share stories, and create their own embroidered placemat featuring their favorite Dicho — perfect as art, décor, or a conversation starter at the table. 🪡 Workshop 1 | May 14 Brainstorm your Dicho, sketch your design, and learn the basics of chain stitching with guided practice. 🪡 Workshop 2 | May 21 Bring your design to life using the embroidery techniques learned in Workshop 1. Participants are encouraged to bring upcycled materials like fabric scraps, old placemats, cloth, or napkins to personalize their piece. Come celebrate storytelling, tradition, and creativity through fiber arts and community. ✨ WHEN: Thursday, May 14th & May 21st 6:00-8:00 PM WHERE: Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center (2800 Archwood Ave.) FREE program • Recommended for ages 12+ The entire family is welcome! Additional activities available for children unable to sew. Register online at juliadeburgos.org/calendar Questions? Email [email protected] or call (216) 894-5664 See less

Late post, but a very grateful one! We can't forget to thank a generous group of friends that has brought Easter joy to our center in the most beautiful way for the past few years. Each year, 50 baskets, 50 smiles, and so much happiness. We are so grateful for their kindness and for thinking of our students year after year. Happy Spring.🌷🐣 /// Post tardecito, pero lleno de agradecimiento. 💛 No podemos dejar pasar la oportunidad de darle las gracias a este generoso grupo de amigos que por los pasados años ha traído alegría de Pascua a nuestro centro de la manera más hermosa. Cada año, 50 canastas, 50 sonrisas y muchísima felicidad. Estamos inmensamente agradecidos por su bondad y por pensar en nuestros estudiantes año tras año. ¡Feliz primavera! 🌷🐣

It's not too late to sign up for tonight's Dino Dig at 6pm! Participants will learn the ins and outs of studying and unearthing dinosaurs, experiencing the dig first hand to uncover fossils and bones hidden under the earth. There will be additional activities such as studying the dinosaur, learning the tools that paleontologists use in excavations, how to protect dinosaur bones, solving the dinosaur bone fossil puzzle, and drawing the completed dinosaurs here at Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center. Get ready to dig, discover, and explore as a paleontologist with the whole family! WHEN: Monday, May 11th, 6:00-7:00 PM WHERE: Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center (2800 Archwood Ave.) Free program, encouraged for ages 4-7 and the whole family. In collaboration with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History ( @gocmnh ) Register online at juliadeburgos.org/calendar Questions? Email [email protected] or call (216) 894-5664 /// Excavando Dinosaurios ¡Ven a explorar el mundo prehistórico esta noche a las 6! Los participantes aprenderán todo sobre cómo estudiar y descubrir dinosaurios, viviendo la experiencia de excavar para encontrar fósiles y huesos escondidos bajo la tierra. También habrá actividades adicionales como estudiar los dinosaurios, conocer las herramientas que usan los paleontólogos en las excavaciones, aprender cómo proteger los huesos de dinosaurio, resolver un rompecabezas de fósiles y dibujar los dinosaurios completos aquí en el Centro Cultural de Artes Julia de Burgos. ¡Prepárate para excavar, descubrir y explorar como un paleontólogo con toda la familia! CUÁNDO: Lunes, 11 de mayo, 6:00–7:00 PM LUGAR: Julia de burgos Cultural Arts Center (2800 Archwood Ave.) Programa gratuito, recomendado para edades de 4 a 7 años y toda la familia. En colaboración con el Museo de Historia Natural de Cleveland (@gocmnh ). Regístrate en línea en juliadeburgos.org/calendar ¿Preguntas? Envía un correo a [email protected] o llama al (216) 894-5664 See less