Houston, TX January 2019— The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) has announced that Arte Público Press, the nation’s largest publisher of U.S.-based Hispanic authors, has received the prestigious Ivan Sandrof Lifetime Achievement Award. Named after the first president of the NBCC, the award is given annually to a person or institution with an extensive history of significant contributions to book culture. “The award comes as a total surprise because it typically goes to authors,” said Dr. Nicolás Kanellos, founder and director of Arte Público Press. “This recognition will help us amplify voices in Latino literature throughout the United States.” The National Book Critics Circle Awards, considered among the most respected literary awards in America, are bestowed by a jury of working critics and book-review editors. Past recipients include Margaret Atwood and Pulitzer Prize-winner Toni Morrison. “The University of Houston has given Arte Público Press an intellectual space in which to …
Celebrate a Legacy of Latino Literature
Arte Público Press and the University of Houston invite the community to a special fundraising luncheon, Celebrate a Legacy of Latino Literature, on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (CT) at the University of Houston Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria Ballroom. For nearly five decades, Arte Público Press has shaped American literature—championing US Latino voices and celebrating the stories that define our cultural heritage. This event highlights the enduring impact of books, storytelling and access to literature in building more inclusive cultural and educational landscapes. The program will feature a fireside chat with acclaimed journalist John Quiñones and Arte Público Press founder Nicolás Kanellos, offering a conversation on the power of storytelling, the importance of preserving literary histories and the future of Latino voices in American letters. Founded in 1980 at the University of Houston, Arte Público Press has grown into the nation’s premier publisher of US Latino …
Liana López
Marketing Manager Liana López oversees Arte Público Press marketing and the promotion of books, authors and programs. Contact Liana at: lllopez@Central.UH.EDU
Arte Público Press Welcomes Two New Team Members
Arte Público Press is pleased to welcome two new team members who bring diverse experience in marketing, education and project management to the organization. Carlos Dueño joins Arte Público Press as Marketing Coordinator. He earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Houston and brings a multidisciplinary professional background to his role. Dueño began his career at the Apple Store, where he worked for six years, before transitioning into media as a promotion coordinator and radio host for Mix 96.5. Most recently, he taught 9th-grade professional communications and career exploration at Cypress Park High School in the Greater Houston area. In his new position, he will support marketing initiatives that amplify the press’ presence. César Alvarado also joins the team, bringing expertise in accounting, data analysis and project administration. He holds a degree in accounting from Instituto Tecnológico de Ciudad Juárez (ITCJ) and has experience in project management and …
Alejandro Castillo Estrella
Sales Supervisor Alejandro Castillo Estrella oversees the fulfillment of all Arte Público Press book orders. Contact Alejandro at: acasti74@Central.UH.EDU
Sophia Gutiérrez Vega
Puerto Rican Literature Project (PLPR) Project Manager Sophia Gutiérrez Vega supports project management, implementation and contracts related to PLPR. Contact Sophia at: spgutier@uh.edu
César Alvarado
Business Manager César Alvarado supervises the accounting, contracting and order fulfillment staff of Arte Público Press. Contact César at: calvar30@Central.UH.EDU
Carlos Dueño
Marketing Coordinator Carlos Dueño supports marketing initiatives and outreach events. Contact Carlos at: cdueno@Central.UH.EDU
Geraldina Wise
Architect, artist and owner of Casa Concept Inc. and Towards Sustainable Design Studio, LLC
Bank Street College of Education Honors Piñata Book as Best of 2026 in Spanish
HOUSTON, TX—The Bank Street College of Education Children’s Book Committee named a Piñata Book to its Best Children’s Books of the Year in Spanish (2026 edition): Cascarones: An Easter Surprise / Una sorpresa de Pascuas (ISBN: 979-8-89375-015-7) by Alicia Salazar. Twenty-five titles reflecting the rich heritage and cultural traditions of the Spanish-speaking world were selected for inclusion. The Best Children’s Books of the Year in Spanish is chosen annually by bilingual members of the Bank Street College’s Children’s Book Committee, graduate school and School for Children. It represents hundreds of hours of commitment to identify the best works in Spanish representing Latine culture. In Alicia Salazar’s bilingual picture book for young readers, a young girl excitedly anticipates Easter and the joyous celebration of family and the holiday fun of making—and cracking on each other’s heads!—the Mexican-American tradition of eggs filled with colorful paper. Engaging illustrations by Aimee Del Valle show …
