Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery was started in 2018 to provide a space focused on Chicana/o Latinx artwork. As the only art gallery in the Seattle area devoted to this artistic legacy, it’s become a staple since its opening in White Center, a diverse neighborhood sandwiched between the Duwamish River and Puget Sound. Also known as Rat City, this unincorporated part of King County lacks some of Seattle’s regulations and rules. It’s also become a Seattle hot spot for nightlife, food, and art.
In 2021, Nepantla owners Jake Prendez and Judy Avitia-Gonzalez brought the community the Lowrider Block Party, a now-annual event that celebrates lowrider art, music, and culture. For its 4th year, Nepantla will transform the streets with hydraulics, heritage, and harmony. It’s usually in August, although Nepantla has yet to announce the festival’s date for 2024 as of this post’s publishing.
Expect to grab coffee sweetened with piloncillo, listen to Mexican rap music, and eat yummy Peruvian Street food. Each year, the block party opens an accompanying art exhibit of the same name. Though speaking of exhibits, you can stop by Nepantla all year long and see art, like the Lucha Libre Art Show (March 2nd–April 21st), where you can score a sweet luchador mask in the gift shop.
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