This past weekend was one for the books…
The Portuguese Hall of Watsonville (I.S.T.W.) hosted an Art & Fado night after their rosary…
This past weekend, the Portuguese Hall of Watsonville (I.S.T.W.) came alive with music, culture, and creativity during a remarkable “Art & Fado Night” following their traditional rosary. The event seamlessly blended the soulful sounds of Fado with a vibrant exhibition of local visual art, celebrating Portuguese heritage in the heart of the 831.
As one of the featured Fadistas of the evening, I had the honor of performing alongside my colleague Marylou Lawrence of Florida. We were accompanied by Angelo Eiras of Hayward on Guitarra Portuguesa and Manuel Escobar of San Jose on Viola de Fado. Together, we brought the melancholic beauty of Fado to life in a heartfelt performance that echoed through the hall.
Adding another rich layer to the evening was a showcase of visual art by local Portuguese-American artists, highlighting the creative spirit of our community. Among those featured was my cousin, Goretti Carvalho of Watsonville. Originally from Terceira Island in the Azores, Goretti immigrated to the U.S. at 16 and has since built a career as both a professional cosmetologist and a dedicated artist. Her acrylic and oil paintings capture the essence of Azorean landscapes and cultural nostalgia, drawing on decades of personal experience and artistic evolution.
Also exhibiting was Goretti’s cousin, Brogan Sterns, an original voice in the local art scene. Known for her expressive oil paintings—such as the standout 2009 work Clown Painting Hula Hoop—Sterns is also the founder of Rad Academy and the creative force behind RadShirtzDotCom on Etsy. Her work is bold, engaging, and uniquely her own.
Stephanie Baptista, another featured artist and a close friend of Goretti’s (and, fun fact—her nail tech!), brought her signature warmth and sparkle to the exhibit. Based in Carmel, Baptista began painting during a deeply personal time as a caregiver to her grandfather. Her mixed-media works, often adorned with metallic leaf, reflect resilience, care, and beauty in unexpected places. For photos from the evening and a closer look at these artists’ work, visit my public post on Facebook at Marisa Silva Rocha. As this unforgettable night proved, the blend of music and art has the power to unite and uplift. Here’s to more celebrations of who we are and where we come from
I also wanted to honor an extremely talented Portuguese-American artist, also from the 831, João de Brito of Aptos. A celebrated painter known for his vivid, impressionist-inspired style, De Brito has exhibited across the U.S. and abroad. His work, deeply rooted in Portuguese identity and California’s coastal beauty, includes a stunning tile mural recently installed (Tiburon) to honor the legacy of Portuguese dairy farmers in Marin County. De Brito is not only a devoted artist but a lover of Fado and close friend to renowned Fadista Mariza and the famous Nelly Furtado.
FEATURED ARTIST LINKS:
Brogan Sterns Creator of Rad Academy and Owner of RadShirtzDotCom on Etsy!
João de Brito For more information and to view his works, visit his official website: joaodebrito.com
Our community continues to be enriched by other remarkable artists such as Luis Silva, Ercilia Medeiros, Mary Carvalho, Helia Borges, Lucina Ramos Ellis, Donald Mota, Joseph Arruda, and Father Rico—each contributing to the cultural tapestry of the Central Coast with passion and purpose.
Marisa Silva Rocha is a fadista and cultural activist for the Portuguese-American community.
Novidades - The Islands and the Diaspora 