WMODA Members and guests of the Generation Venetian Arts Society (GENVAS) were treated to an unforgettable afternoon of music, culture, and celebration during an exclusive salon-style concert at the museum on July 26th. Internationally acclaimed classical guitarist Jose Angel Navarro captivated guests with An Afternoon Affair… I Am an American!
As GENVAS founder Willie Riddle shared with the audience, this gathering was about far more than music. It was a heartfelt celebration of America’s enduring promise—a tribute to how our nation’s identity continues to be enriched by the artistry, traditions, and cultures of people from around the world.
For Navarro, who emigrated from Cuba and became a United States citizen twenty years ago, the program carried deep personal meaning. His proud declaration, “I am an American,” resonated throughout the afternoon, reminding guests that the American story is continually shaped by those who embrace its ideals while sharing their own cultural heritage.
Navarro’s distinctive Afro-Cuban-American musical voice blends ceremonial rhythms and folk traditions with jazz, classical influences, improvisation, and contemporary expression. Joined by percussionist Joel Hernandez Roque, Navarro delivered an exhilarating performance that seamlessly wove together Son, Salsa, Latin Jazz, and fusion styles—an inspiring reflection of America’s rich multicultural spirit.
Before the concert, guests gathered for a champagne reception in the museum’s spectacular Hot Glass Gallery, surrounded by the vibrant works of Dale Chihuly, the pioneering artist of the American Studio Glass Movement. Guests then explored the ceramic art galleries, where themes of heritage, imagination, and reinvention echoed the afternoon’s performance.
In her welcome remarks, Louise Irvine, Executive Director and Curator, highlighted the museum’s recent accolades and awards and encouraged all the first-time museum visitors in the audience to spread the word about WMODA so that it is no longer the “Hidden Gem” of Hollywood.
The afternoon was generously sponsored by the Lion and Unicorn auction house, long-time supporters of GENVAS programs, and guests enjoyed a delicious selection of canapés catered by Lenore Nolan-Ryan. The event was both a joyful celebration and a thoughtful reflection on the power of the arts to bring people together. It was a memorable reminder that America’s greatest masterpiece has always been its people—and the creativity, diversity, and shared experiences that unite them.
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Event photographs by Carina Mask www.carinaami.com
