Fort Worth Latina group using art to help local Hispanic girls

by Rebecca Aguilar

Judy Perez glues colorful feathers on a wool covered high heel. Next to her, Mary Lou Martinez arranges fabric cut-outs of cats on her orange shoe. It may sound strange, but they're hoping these shoes will someday inspire a young Latina to reach her goals in life.

Perez and Martinez are members of the Fort Worth Chapter of the Hispanic Women's Network of Texas, also known as HWNT. The group is known for helping mentor local Hispanic girls, many who are high school seniors.

Saturday, about a dozen HWNT members added their artwork to a high heel at The Art Station in Fort Worth. The shoes will go on display at the group's annual art show and silent auction, Saturday, September 26 at the Rose Marine Theater in Fort Worth.

Christina Elbitar says, "I think someday a girl will put this high heel on her shelf and get inspired. It's something she can look at and know that we care about her. We're here to support her."

Aside from the feathers, flowers, and paint, each shoe carries a unique message. Jane Avila, owner of The Art Station and honorary member of HWNT, glues the words "imagine" and "inspiration" on her shoe. Avila says, "I enjoy helping children grow and become better people. This high heel will touch someone's heart."

HWNT is aimed at keeping Latinas in school. Results of a national study released last month revealed Latinas are dropping out of school at an alarming rate, and 41 percent of Hispanic girls do not graduate in four years.

Judy Perez says, "This high heel means giving back to the community. It means giving at least one girl the hope she needs."

This article was submitted by a member of the Pegasus News community.

• Staff
• Verified User
• Anonymous