Commissioners preview exhibits, theater and festivals ahead of spring

At the February meeting the City of Laredo Fine Arts and Culture Commission heard a series of event updates from commissioners and community partners. Mary Collins and other commissioners described an exhibit curated by Nancy Poinsett at the Marina College campus that runs through March 20, and a theater production called Red running at a repurposed warehouse.

Commissioners also previewed larger events: Caminarte is scheduled for March 6; a Laredo birthday celebration is planned for May; and an August laser‑and‑light festival was described as pending approval. Members discussed reviving the Chicano Theater, publishing a collection of its original plays and planning a Leonard Cohen night of poets and music at Casa Ortiz.

Why it matters: these events represent coordinated activity among the cultural district, colleges and community groups and provide opportunities for local artists and students to perform, exhibit and volunteer. Commissioners urged better communication with campus partners and broader promotion through social media and print.

Next steps: commissioners asked staff to share event information widely and to establish contacts at partner institutions to improve coordination. The commission’s next regular meeting is March 19.