EPCC’s 18th Annual Literary Fiesta Celebrates El Paso Arts

El Paso Community College hosted its 18th annual Literary Fiesta at the Valle Verde Campus AST Building Flexitorium, bringing together literature, music and the arts for students and the general public.

The free event featured book giveaways, presentations by award-winning authors, workshops, children’s activities, food and drinks. Local artists, writers and journalists participated, while EPCC students shared their creative work and connected with members of the community.

“Variety of local artists, writers, journalists, and more are all here, and it’s a great turnout for this year’s event,” said Sarelah Aguilar, coordinator of the Literary Fiesta and the Salute to the Arts programs at EPCC. She said attendees appreciated the opportunity to meet students and learn more about their experiences.

The Fiesta included books from El Paso bookstore Books Are Gems, gifts from the El Paso Public Library and a poetry contest featuring written work created by EPCC students over the past several months.

The college also presented the EPCC Community Spirit Award to The Heart Gallery and Executive Director Vanessa Gurrola Leon. The award recognizes a person, group or organization with a notable history of literary and community service. The Heart Gallery was selected for its community initiative focused on changing children’s lives, increasing visibility for youth in foster care and strengthening connections to permanent, loving families.

The Literary Fiesta’s Literary Legacy Award went to author Jazmine Ulloa, who was recognized for supporting fellow artists and promoting excellence in writing. Ulloa grew up in El Paso, graduated from Burges High School and currently works for The New York Times.

More information about EPCC’s Art department is available through the EPCC Art department website. Information about the English department is available on the EPCC English department website.