Through My Latin Blood: Celebrating Latin Heritage
The SSU is happy to announce our first Latin-American Heritage Art Contest, open to all Sheridan College students who identify as a Latino/a/e/x or of Latin descendant, we want to amplify your voice and showcase your talents. Submit your artwork by October 26, 2025, 11:59 PM for a chance to be featured in our Latin American Heritage Expo and win prizes of up to $500.
How to Participate?
We invite all Sheridan students from the Latin community to reflect on and share the richness of the Latin American experience. Whether your story is rooted in heritage, family traditions, or the unique intersections of your identity, we believe all experiences are valuable and deserve to be seen.
Your submission could be:
Ceramics
Photography
Sculpture
Collage
Or another eligible form of creative expression!
Explore the full list of categories and submission guidelines at thessu.ca/latin-creative-contest
Once the submission window closes, our team will carefully review all entries. If your work is selected, we’ll reach out to you directly with the details. Selected participants will have the opportunity to present, perform, or exhibit their work at the Latin-American Heritage Gallery Expo on November 6. Please note that only selected artists will be contacted.
Don’t miss this chance to showcase your creativity, win up to $500, and be part of a cultural celebration that highlights Latin voices at our Sheridan student community!
Meet The Contest Judges
We’re honoured to welcome inspiring judges from the Latin community who bring their own unique perspectives and professional expertise to the table. Their experience will help us recognize and celebrate the talent of Sheridan’s emerging Latin artists.
Melina Cossío
Melina Cossío is a Mexican-born visual artist based in Canada, originally from Tapachula, Chiapas.
Her work bridges the beauty of nature and the energy of cityscapes, drawing on years of study and collaboration in Chile, Finland, and Canada. Trained in oil painting, stained glass, and carbon drawing, she has contributed to large-scale projects such as a mosaic installation with Finnish artist Tuula Lehtinen and an environmental art project with Matti Kuronen.
Since 2014, Melina has been an active member of the Canadian art scene, exhibiting with Visual Arts Mississauga, the Artists’ Network in Toronto, and the Mississauga Arts Council, while supporting local communities as a juror and workshop facilitator.
Cristal Buemi
Cristal Buemi is a Puerto Rican-Canadian award-winning multidisciplinary artist (stop motion animation, video art/installation, collage and digital design).
Her work explores the diaspora through land and its relation to the body, materiality and inherent beauty found in the minutia. Through a mindful, feminist, experimental, and ecological lens, Cristal focuses on abstract storytelling, sustainability and texture.
Her works have been exhibited worldwide including: The New York City Independent Film Festival, Sankofa Square, Animac, Harbourfront Centre’s CoMotion Festival, Fashion Art Toronto, Venus Fest, Sommets du cinema d'animation, Cardiff Animation Night and broadcasted on AMC, MTV, BellMedia and HBO.
About the Latin-American Heritage Art Expo
The contest will culminate in a special showcase featuring the selected submissions! This one-of-a-kind Gallery Expo will bring together students, faculty, and staff to celebrate Latin-American culture in all its depth and diversity. Guests can expect to experience traditional food, live performances, and inspiring artwork that reflect the layers of Latin identity and heritage.
The Expo is designed to be a welcoming and inclusive celebration where everyone is invited to learn, connect, and enjoy. Whether you are part of the Latin community or simply curious to explore its richness, this event is the perfect opportunity to come together and celebrate culture through art.
Stay tuned for more details on this event by visiting thessu.ca/events