I have the elite privilege of attending an intimate painting class with Puerto Rican Master artist, Antonio Martorell. It also included learning more intimately about Discover Puerto Rico, who Taller PR is, followed by an authentic Puerto Rican dinner.
What I learned about Taller PR (Taller Puertorriqueno)?
I have to admit I didn’t know that Taller PR existed. It is a oasis for all things Puerto Rico from the culture, history, artists, and community. It was established in 1974. They are located at 2600 N. 5th Street in Philadelphia. So if you Puerto Rican and looking for a place for community this is your place. In addition if you aren’t this is a great place to learn about the culture. They have showcases, bookstore, and gift shops among other community outreach here in Philadelphia including an after school program and camp.
Antonio Martorell
He is an amazing master artist of mixed media. So he works with things like cans, tops, and pretty much anything we would deem as trash in his artwork. During our class we used crushed cans to paint on canvases. Antonio started his work very early. In 1968 he established the Alacran studio. Due to Hurricane Maria in 2017 he decided to use his art in a way that showcased the economic and environmental crisis of Puerto Ricans. He used his art to even document the lives that were lost. His new exhibit is on display in Taller PR from now until September 18, 2022 inside of the Lorenzo Homar Gallery. It is open to the public. It demonstrates the loss that Puerto Rico endured as well as the damage that was left.
Students of Antonio Martorell
Myself and other invited guests took a class under Antonio Martorell. We learned the joy of letting go and creating a masterpiece of our own. We used things like cans, bubble wrap and more to do our own version of mixed media canvases. Although no of us are as great as Antonio one thing we were able to do was to see the art in a better light. It wasn’t junk. It was for some a place to release tension. For others it was a place to let go. Whatever we needed he encouraged us to get into the moment and simply enjoy it.
Discover Puerto Rico
I loved meeting represents from Discover Puerto Rico. Not only did we learn how easy it is to get to the island. We also learned that unlike many places that discourage people to travel due to passports, Covid tests and more, they are a much more relaxed place to travel. In addition we learned how Puerto Rico is so convenient that we definitely need to add them to our next destination. There are several direct flights in Philadelphia and beyond. Their culture is encompassing. From the food, the island vibes, the art, as well as the people-Puerto Rico is your one stop destination for all of it. I plan to travel there soon and to say I am excited is an understatement.
For most who know, I am from Lancaster PA. There is a great community of Puerto Ricans there. I listened to the music, ate the food and drank the drinks my whole life. I’ve been to celebrations too. If you are celebrating with Puerto Ricans-expect the fun to go well into the wee hours of the morning. There is always a welcoming spirit and I can’t wait to see that on the island itself. Remember traveling is a form of learning, engaging, wellness and selfcare.
Rums of Puerto Rico
There is no celebration without a cocktail. Thanks to Rums of Puerto Rico we enjoyed two signature drinks. One was the Puerto Rican Sunshine. Although this drink lives up to its title, as with all things Puerto Rico there is a culture significance. Along with Pantone, they came up with an official hue of the island. The mix of a reddish orange and yellow represents the happy hormones felt when you are there. The rich colors combined into the Sunny look of what its like to be in Puerto Rico. Rums of Puerto Rico was represented by Juan Montes. He made our drinks especially delicious with Don Q Cristal.
The other drink was the Philly Rum Fashioned. This drink packed a power punch. I will say that although we had amazing drinks-shout out to Taller PR and Discover Puerto Rico for supplying all of us with Ubers to and from the event so we could drink responsibly.
Boricua Restaurant
We dined on authentic Puerto Rican food. Living in Lancaster PA I knew what was authentic Puerto Rican food. Many of my classmates parents came from the island to provide a better life for their children. Dining at their homes, I never left hungry or felt like I wasn’t family. When I travel to restaurants that claim to be Puerto Rican I immediately am reminding it’s not authentic. However our dinner that was supplied by Boricua Restaurant gave me all of the feelings of being home. It was outstanding. When I posted my stories on Instagram several family and friends commented because you could tell how delicious it was.
I had sweet plantains, rice and beans, and a delicious salad. For dessert I had tres leches cake. I even got some extras to take home.
Events coming up
Not only is the Antonio Martorell exhibit called A/Restos is showcasing now until September. In addition in the Julia de Burgos gift shop come and get your art, books, jewelry and more. Support and take in the bilingual literature as well as the LatinX artists. Also the One Book, One selection that is being sponsored in partnership with the Free Library of Philadelphia is doing a series with several events. Check the calendar.
Thank you to Taller PR, Discover Puerto Rico, Antonio Martorell, Boricua Restaurant, and Rums of Puerto Rico for the highest gift of hospitality. I look forward to visiting Puerto Rico, showcasing local events for Taller PR, and more.
