Article by: Gonzalo A. Peña
Founder of InnoLatino
A Storytelling platform about Community, Creativity and Innovation
As a GenX'r and child of the 80's, I was exposed to AWESOME music.
One of the pieces of music that became an American classic was Cindy Lauper's "True Colors". Here's part of the lyrics:
"It's hard to take courage. In a world full of people you can lose sight of it all. And the darkness inside you can make you feel so small. But I see your true colors shining through... So don't be afraid." In a world that is filled with so much negativity, I think we can take courage by bringing more positive tones into our lives.
So, Mi Gente, this one is for you all to see the true colors around you. Also, to encourage you to show your true positive colors and strive to make the world a better place, despite all the ugly that's happening in it.
If you’re in need of inspiration, here are two examples occurring in the Greater Salt Lake City area this weekend. Here we go.
South Salt Lake’s Mural Fest
South Salt Lake Arts is having its 2026 Mural Fest, which is the perfect opportunity to get out there and witness art as it gets done. I had the privilege of interviewing Britney Helmers, Executive Director South Salt Lake Arts and ask her about the event.
InnoLatino (I): Can you tell us about Mural Fest and how it came about?
"Lola's Dream" by Bunnie ReissBritney Helmers (BH): Mural Fest was started nine years ago with the goal of the city to have 100 murals, 10 murals a year. So after 10 years, we have 100 murals within the city of South Salt Lake. It's really kind of bringing eyes to the neighborhood.
I: What makes MuralFest so special?
BH: The big thing is that we bring artists from all over the world to participate in MuralFest. This upcoming year we have artists from Canada, artists from UK, we have four local artists that are participating, Artists from Tennessee, Florida, you name it, all over. So a total of 11 artists. We then have three apprentice artists teaching them the ropes and they will be paired with one of those artists to learn and understand what the idea of mural art is.
South Salt Lake Arts Director, Britney HelmersBritney's trajectory has taken between the private and public sector, and she's been able to navigate both worlds successfully and making great impact around her. So, how does she do that?
BH: I think you just need to get in the head of how do to understand it. What is the goal of the private sector? What is the goal of the public sector? And when you create those public-private relationships, partnerships, we see so much more happening within the community. The community is able to thrive quite a bit more.
I: Should we strive for synergy between both sides?
BH: When we separate them and we say, 'you do your thing and we do our thing', we don't get the community that we want. We don't get the connectedness. We don't get the creativity thriving. So, we have to always bring those two together.
If you want to check out the murals, here’s a map for you showing their location.
Libro Fest 2026
At a time when reading proficiency is in critical decline, and very present among Spanish-speaking communities, this event is a crucial one.
LibroFest is the first bilingual book fair in the Salt Lake area, people! There are going to be panelists, children activities and storytelling. There’s even going to be Rock en Español!.
Think of it as a fiesta of stories: a place where little readers grow big imaginations, families laugh and learn together, and Spanish‑speaking communities reconnect with their cultural roots through books, poems, and shared tales.
When: April 25th, 10:30 - 5:00 PM
Where: Sorenson Multi-Cultural Center, 1383 S 900 W, Salt Lake City, UT, United States, 84104
So, that's all I have for you today. Stay on the light side of things. If you have any positive vibes or events going on, please, share them.
