The upbeat salsa sounds of the Big Maracas have been entertaining audiences in Central Kentucky for years. But Venezuelan-born lead singer Enrique Gonzalez (enriquegonzalezart@yahoo.com) is an artistic double threat: He’s not only an entertaining musician but also an accomplished visual artist.

Enrique is best known for his “long art,” influenced by the Italian painter Modigliani. He attended the art school named for South American painter Arturo Michelena, studying painting, engraving, theory, and art history. His work has won numerous awards in both North and South America, including the International Society for Education Through Art Award, and hangs in the prestigious Museum of Latin American Art in Miami, FL. Locally, you can find his paintings at White House Gallery in Lexington.

Program 718

Wood carver LaVon Williams; the African American Theatre Program at the University of Louisville; the “Recovering Is a Beautiful Thing” art exhibit; and music by the Big Maracas, a Latin band from Lexington. (#718)

Program 733

Wood carver LaVon Williams; the African American Theatre Program at the University of Louisville; the “Recovering Is a Beautiful Thing” art exhibit; and music by the Big Maracas, a Latin band from Lexington. (#733)

Program 811

Mixed-media artist Alice Ann Noel, the art collection of Louisville's Brown-Forman company, Louisville sculptor Paul Fields, and music from the Big Maracas and Rob McNurlin and His Beatnik Cowboys. (#811)