Now on display at the Rhode Island State House | until November 28, 2025
Behind each portrait, there is a unique story from an individual from Rhode Island’s Latino community, highlighting the diversity of experiences, challenges overcome, and meaningful contributions of Latinas, Latinos, and Latinx individuals. Together, these faces form a vibrant mosaic of migration, identity, and cultural heritage—underscoring the lasting impact of Latino history in shaping the state’s present and future.
The exhibit will be on display in the Lower Level Gallery at the Rhode Island State House from September 2 to November 28, 2025 | NOTE: The original portraits are not for sale. Prints will be made available to purchase upon request. To inquire, write to: Marta V. Martínez
The exhibit will be on display in the Lower Level Gallery at the Rhode Island State House from September 2 to November 28, 2025 | NOTE: The original portraits are not for sale. Prints will be made available to purchase upon request. To inquire, write to: Marta V. Martínez
State House Gallery Hours
Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm
You may contact RILA to arrange a private tour
To learn more about the Nuestras Raíces Oral History Project and why these individuals are significant to Rhode Island's history,
click below.
This exhibition showcases a collection of 30 portraits created by artist René Gómez
While the portraits in Somos Rhode Island might look like prints or digitally produced art, each one is an original piece created by RILA artist René Gómez. He works in a rare and detailed style known as pointillism.
Pointillism is a painting technique where thousands of tiny dots are used to build an image. Rather than using lines or broad strokes, the artist applies individual dots of color—carefully placed to show light, shadow, and expression. When you stand back, your eyes naturally blend the dots, creating a full, vibrant portrait.
René Gómez uses this technique to honor Rhode Island’s Latino pioneers—capturing not just their faces, but their importance in shaping our state’s history. It’s a style that takes time and focus, reflecting the care and detail behind every story in this exhibit.
When you look at one of these portraits in person, take a step closer... then a step back. Let the dots tell the story.
Pointillism is a painting technique where thousands of tiny dots are used to build an image. Rather than using lines or broad strokes, the artist applies individual dots of color—carefully placed to show light, shadow, and expression. When you stand back, your eyes naturally blend the dots, creating a full, vibrant portrait.
René Gómez uses this technique to honor Rhode Island’s Latino pioneers—capturing not just their faces, but their importance in shaping our state’s history. It’s a style that takes time and focus, reflecting the care and detail behind every story in this exhibit.
When you look at one of these portraits in person, take a step closer... then a step back. Let the dots tell the story.
Above: Blanca & Darío Herrera; Estelita & Zonanni Ortega; Josefina & Tony Rosario; Jay Giutarri; Tessie Salabert & Miriam Gorriarán; Juán Francisco; Victor Mendóza, Manuel Rivera; Roberto González; José González.
Above: Father Ray; Ozzie Castillo; Marta V. Martínez; Enrique Sánchez Mora; Ada Terrero; Margarita Cepeda; Juan Pichardo; Anastasia Williams; Oscar Pérez; Juanita Sánchez.
Above: María Rivera; Gustavo Carreño; Patricia Martínez; Nellie Gorbea; Sabina Matos; Angelica Infante-Green; Grace Díaz; Angel Taveras; James Diossa; Luis Aponte.
The exhibition at the Rhode Island State House is a partnership between Rhode Island Latino Arts and the Office of Secretary of State. We commissioned these portraits with support from these funders:
Student Field Trips
Middle & high school student groups can visit the SCC on any Wednesday between 11-2pm from May 14 through July 31 to view the exhibit and learn more about Nuestras Raíces and the people who have contributed to Latino history of Rhode Island. Teachers: Contact us here to arrange a visit: lagaleria@rilatinoarts.org
Address: Southside Cultural Center, 393 Broad St. Providence. Ample parking in the back lot as you enter via Bridgham Street.
Address: Southside Cultural Center, 393 Broad St. Providence. Ample parking in the back lot as you enter via Bridgham Street.
Before Your Visit: Make sure your students are ready to engage with the stories behind the portraits in the exhibit. To support their learning, we've provided background readings and resources. Click the button below to download the handout that best fits your students’ age group, and be sure to bring copies with you to the exhibit.
Café Recuerdos espresso cups available for sale!
The original Café Recuerdos: A Traveling Memory Café, created by Cuban-American artist Ana Flores, will be on display at the SCC to accompany the Somos Rhode Island exhibition. The images depicted on Café Bustelo coffee cans tell the story of Rhode Island's Latino History (Nuestras Raíces).
As part of the Café Recuerdos installation, we will be dispensing coffee — the smell of coffee is a way to bring people together while they visit us. The cart encourages community engagement in public spaces. Next to the cart, we have set up a temporary café with bistro chairs and a table and a hand-held recorder, where we invite visitors to have a plática over un cafecito — to drink their coffee and share stories with us.
Café Recuerdos espresso cups available for sale!
Café Recuerdos espresso cups available for sale!
This exhibition showcases a collection of 30 portraits created by artist René Gómez
