Encanto Arts is a Nonprofit - 501c3 organization. registered in the state of Washington. EIN 83-3067406
Our purpose is to engage youth from underserved/underprivileged communities in Washington state and allied communities by promoting and producing arts, culture and education.
Let us tell you about an incredible story of perseverance, passion, and the power of music. In the fall of 2012, a young man by the name of Jose Iñiguez took to the stage at the Tagaris Winery in Richland, WA. Born and raised in a farm working family in nearby Mattawa, WA, Jose had always dreamed of becoming an opera tenor. That night, his dream came true as he performed a selection of opera arias in front of a diverse audience.
But what made this performance truly special was that Jose also performed several Mexican boleros, a style of music very popular in Latin America and gaining popularity in the United States. This fusion of traditional opera and Mexican boleros was the seed that would eventually become Encanto Arts.
Jose soon began traveling throughout the state of Washington, performing in rural communities, high schools, and colleges. He was soon joined by local musicians, performers, and mariachi groups who backed his performances. In 2013, Jose used his performances to raise money for college scholarships and for cultural organizations and art groups.
One of the most significant developments was the establishment of the first scholarship endowments for Latino/a students at Eastern Washington University, Central Washington University, and most recently at Columbia Basin College in Pasco, WA , with the final installment of the 4th Endowment for Latino/a students at Wenatchee Valley College. This achievement is historic and only made possible through community supporters. You might ask why these Universities and Colleges? It is because they are located to the closest areas of orchards and farms in Washington State. Over the years, Jose and Encanto Arts have continued to bring their engaging experience to a variety of different venues and audiences in and out of the state of Washington.
Encanto Arts programming also gives opportunities for youth mentorship by giving youth the opportunity to collaborate and perform with professional musicians. It truly is the ethereal beauty of opera aria, classical piano, and mariachi boleros all rolled into one. This is the power of music, and this is the American Dream in action.
As community builders we have come together to show that diversity is what all our organizations should strive for. We are stronger together and we are an example of why it should be intentional to have a diverse board of directors.
President & Executive Director
José Iñiguez
Vice President & Communications
Maria Sotelo
Treasurer
Francisco Diaz
Secretary
Carl Holder
Director of Development
Jason Lowry
General Board
Guadalupe Cavazos
Advisor to the board
Jay Grubb
Alexia Iñigues
Sylvia Cavazos
Andrew Pang
Rosa Melendez
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