The Hispanic Cultural Hub brings Frida Kahlo to life with handmade vendors, live music and an immersive art experience at The AMP on July 18
If you’ve ever been drawn to bold colors, handcrafted jewelry, or the iconic imagery of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, mark your calendar for July 18.
Esperanza Alonso, founder of the Hispanic Cultural Hub, is hosting Frida Estachida — a first-of-its-kind celebration of Kahlo’s life and legacy — from 2 to 8 p.m. at The AMP, 1220 Waterway Blvd. in Indianapolis. The event brings together handmade vendors, art workshops, live music and a full exhibit dedicated to one of art history’s most recognized figures.
“It’s about the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo,” Alonso said. “You can come and join the hub either as a vendor or to do art, to buy art, to listen to live music.”
A Space Where Artists Meet
The Hispanic Cultural Hub has been a monthly gathering place for artists, artisans and art lovers for five years. Alonso started it out of a personal need — she was making jewelry and wanted a consistent market to sell her work.
“There was no market that I could go to at least once a month,” she said. “So that’s how I came up with the idea.”
What began as a solution to a personal problem has grown into a thriving community of creators who gather regularly at The AMP to sell, connect and celebrate their craft.
Frida Estachida is the Hub’s biggest event of the year — and its first dedicated to a single artistic icon.
What to Expect July 18
The event features a curated lineup of vendors who primarily sell handmade goods — everything from jewelry and textiles to paintings and mixed-media pieces. Alonso herself makes all of her jewelry by hand, and the vendors she selects reflect that same commitment to craftsmanship.
Among the highlights:
- Gabby Mojica will host her own dedicated exhibit, featuring an extensive collection of Frida Kahlo-inspired paintings and original works. “Any Frida image you can imagine — she’s going to have it,” Alonso said.
- Fidel and Chilli Tart are among the other featured vendors bringing their handmade work to the event.
- Live music will fill the space throughout the afternoon and evening, thanks to a partnership with The AMP’s Summer Series Concert sponsorship.
- Art workshops inspired by Kahlo’s style will give attendees a hands-on creative experience.
The AMP itself adds to the appeal — the venue is home to a collection of container restaurants, meaning visitors can explore a wide variety of food options while they browse art and take in the music.
No Spanish Required
One thing Alonso wants everyone to know: this event is for everyone, regardless of language or background.
“You do not have to speak Spanish,” she said. “Most of our vendors are bilingual, if not all of them.”
In fact, she encourages visitors to use the event as an opportunity to learn — about Kahlo, about Hispanic culture, and maybe even pick up a few words of Spanish along the way.
“You can come, you can learn about all of the art, you can learn about Frida, maybe learn some Spanish, learn about the Hispanic culture just in general,” she said.
Want to Be a Vendor?
Artists and artisans interested in selling at Frida Estachida — or at any of the Hub’s monthly markets — can reach out through social media. Send photos of your handmade work via Instagram or Facebook, and the Hub will be in touch.
Event Details
- What: Frida Estachida — presented by the Hispanic Cultural Hub
- When: July 18, 2 to 8 p.m.
- Where: The AMP, 1220 Waterway Blvd., Indianapolis
- Admission: Open to the public
- Find them: Search the Hispanic Cultural Hub on Instagram and Facebook
