The West Sacramento Community Center invites residents to kick off their weekend with family-friendly entertainment at its first Arts in the Heart event. Arts in the Heart is a celebration of arts and diversity in the heart of West Sacramento showcasing the multicultural pride of its community. Guests will be treated to a variety of entertainment, including music and dance performances, hands-on children’s and family art activities, food, music, an art reception, vendors, and informational booths.

People itching to make art can participate in coloring and drawing part of a community mural themed around various cultural traditions including the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead. Families are also invited to work together to paint a calavera, also known as a sugar skull, as a take home memento of their day at Arts in the Heart. Local art commissioners will be voting on the best family created skull, treating a lucky family to bragging rights as winners of the inaugural art contest. In addition, with weather permitting, the sidewalk between the Community Center and Los Rios Community College will be transformed into a chalk art canvas.

Spectators of the event will also enjoy dance performances by local dance groups, including the Community Center Jazz Dance and Tippy Toe Ballet classes, as well as a routine by the River City Dance Academy in the Black Box Theater. Others may enjoy mingling with artists at the art reception inside Gallery 1075. The exhibition will feature art from local prolific artists including Manuel Fernando Rios, Delgreta Brown, to name a few. The various artworks will be connected in their pride and celebration of each artists’ heritage. The exhibition will be on display throughout the month of October.

Another feature of the event will be the Community Center’s altar for Día De Los Muertos created every year to observe the holiday which honors passed loved ones. All visitors of the Community Center are invited to add a picture of their own loved ones to the altar which will be on display until November 2.