We had the good fortune of connecting with Lizette Cruz Watko and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lizette, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The Diamante Arts & Cultural Center has been around for over 25 years. However, in the last year, we embarked on a new endeavor. Many know of our two art galleries, but we wanted to give Latino makers an opportunity to sell their works. Thus the “La Tiendida” (diminutive for store) Gift Shop was created. And now the “La Tiendita” is hosting a Winter Market.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Diamante Arts & Cultural Center is the longest-standing Latino/Hispanic art and culture organization in North Carolina. For 26 years, Diamante has been working to preserve, develop, and promote the culture, heritage, and artistic expressions of the diverse Latino/Hispanic community in our state. We are super proud to organize activities that help develop an understanding and appreciation of the Hispanic/Latino community; its diversity, cultural norms, and contributions while creating opportunities that engage Hispanics/Latinos and other community groups in arts education, leadership, community service, and economic development. After the pandemic, Diamante moved to Raleigh and opened a new 4,200-square-foot creative multipurpose space that includes two beautiful galleries, artist’s studios, and offices open for everyone to appreciate.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spot is the DACC Gallery. This 1,400-square-foot gallery exhibits the best North Carolina Latino/Hispanic artists around. You never know what type of art you will come across abstract, magical realism, textile, fashion, folk, and everything in between. I enjoy their salon-style Bara Bara Community Art Exhibition each Spring, where over 85 artists exhibit and sell their art for under $500. I also enjoy the “La Tiendita” gift shop where everything is made by NC-based Latino artists. You can find all sorts of neat stuff.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Because of the support of the Latino community in the Triangle, our organization has been able to survive and thrive.

Website: diamanteacc.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diamanteacc/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/5313388/admin/feed/posts/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/diamanteACC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiamanteACC

Image Credits
Diamante Arts & Cultural Center

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutNorthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.