A Gathering of Kindred Spirits
by Jenna Greaves
On a recent spring day at the Seminole County Public Library’s Oviedo branch, cheerful greetings of buenas tardes (good afternoon) could be heard radiating from a meeting room that had been transformed into a hotspot for local Latin creatives.
The attendees were part of Tertulia Cuatro Gatos, which in English means a social gathering of four cats. No felines were actually present, though. Instead, the room was filled with area residents who have a shared interest in Latin arts, history, culture, and literature.
“You can feel the respect and the passion in this room,” says Lisbeth Palacios, an Oviedo resident and the program’s coordinator.
Tertulia Cuatro Gatos, also known as Tertulia 4 Gatos, was started 18 years ago at the Orange County Library’s South Creek branch by four people – thus the four cats reference. Chapters have since popped up across Central Florida, including several at Seminole County Library branches. Lisbeth decided to form the Oviedo group five years ago after attending Tertulia meetings in Kissimmee.
Join the Tertulia
In Oviedo, the club’s members gather every fourth Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. to discuss literature, poetry, art, music, dance, history, and culture. Attendees are invited to share stories about creative projects they’re working on, talk about how art has touched their lives, and give performances and readings.
Norma Medina-Ortiz, manager of the Oviedo branch, says Tertulia Cuatro Gatos meetings offer an opportunity to socialize and cultivate hidden talent.
“It’s a good avenue to promote the talent that we have in our community, especially in our Hispanic community,” says Norma, “and to also give them an opportunity to come together to enjoy the arts.”
The March meeting celebrated Women’s History Month and featured painters, a singer, a dancer, and writers. The keynote speaker was author Heidy Torres, who has written a book about her battle with cancer. During Heidy’s presentation, she attested to the impact that art can have on a person’s well-being. In Heidy’s case, listening to her favorite music was especially helpful during her journey through cancer.
A Window to the Soul
Lisbeth, a teacher at Stenstrom Elementary School, hopes to eventually expand the Oviedo program to include a younger audience.
“It’s my goal to try to support all of these people who have a talent,” says Lisbeth. “Sometimes they don’t know what to do with their talent, especially when they’re coming from another country. This is a little window, and this window can open big when you show what you know.”
Although Tertulia Cuatro Gatos meetings are presented entirely in Spanish, Lisbeth encourages anyone who is interested in cultural activities to join in and experience the universal power of art.
“Art is free of language,” she says.
In addition to the meetings in Oviedo (East Branch), Tertulia Cuatro Gatos clubs meet at Seminole County Library branches in Casselberry (Jean Rhein Central Branch), Lake Mary (Northwest Branch), and Sanford (North Branch). Admission is free and all are welcome.
To learn more, visit SeminoleLibrary.org