Miembros Newsletter: February 2026

A Message from the Director

Thank You for Supporting Mix ‘n’ Mash 2026

The Mexic-Arte Museum extends big thank you to the talented artists and patrons who attended the opening of Mix ‘n’ Mash – On Repeat: The Musicians Who Shaped Us. The community’s presence and support made the evening a remarkable celebration of culture and creativity. Special thanks to Elaine Salazar and Dana Brown from Ampersand for sponsoring this exhibition for seventeen incredible years.

Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative Begins

Business and community members, City of Austin officials, Mexic-Arte Museum Board Members and Downtown Austin Alliance gathered during the cold morning on Thursday, January 29, at 2nd Street and Congress Avenue for the ribbon cutting and initiation of the city’s newest project, the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative. During the opening remarks, Mayor Watson called downtown “the living room of Austin’s entire community,” stressing that Congress Avenue is a key part of the city, pointing to its history including that Congress Avenue was the first paved street in Austin.

The city’s Department of Transportation and Public Works, in partnership with the Downtown Austin Alliance, began work on the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative project the next day. This will be Phase 1, costing $13 million and expected to take approximately 18 months to complete. The project is made possible by voters, who approved the 2020 Mobility Bond Project. Phase 1 is all about creating spaces for people to enjoy, walk, dine, shop and interact as a community in downtown Austin.

The improvements will include lane upgrades to offer protection for bikes, scooters and other multimodal users as well as to enhance street by adding trees and plants. Phase 1 also includes “programmable storefront activation zones,” which create permanent infrastructure allowing businesses to use the areas in front of their stores for sidewalk cafes and display racks. The project will benefit Mexic-Arte Museum on 5 th Street and Congress Avenue. Outside the front entrance, the project will bring new 18 foot sidewalks, trees, plants and the opportunity to host outdoor activities outside the museum. There are many possibilities for creative activations bringing the community downtown to participate and visit the museum. We thank the City of Austin, the Downtown Austin Alliance and all the voters who made this project a reality.

Welcome Jill Ramirez to the Board of Directors

As we begin the year, we are thrilled to welcome Jill C. Ramirez, longtime friend and supporter, to the Mexic-Arte Museum Board of Directors. Board members are strong community leaders who contribute experience, guidance and expertise in addition to assisting in raising funds and contributions to fulfill the museum’s mission and goals and to help sustain its operations and programs.

Jill brings vast knowledge in arts and health to further strengthen the Board of Directors. Currently, Jill serves as the Executive Director, PromoSalud in Austin. She is originally from El Paso, Texas. Jill arrived in Austin after receiving her Bachelor of Arts at The University of Texas at El Paso and graduated with a Master of Education and Master in Communication Disorders from The University of Texas at Austin. Jill is currently the CEO and Co-founder of PromoSalud, an author and an instructor of the PromoSalud Training Institute, which is a State of Texas Certification Program for Community Health Workers / Promotores de Salud. At PromoSalud, she has coordinated Manantial de Salud Dove Springs, a project focused on health promotions, funded by the City of Austin and the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention; the Affordable Care Act Community Outreach Project and the Southeast Health and Wellness Center Community Assessment.

Her experience includes being a substitute teacher in Early Childhood Special Education, a Special Education Project Coordinator and a Bilingual Speech Pathologist for Bilingual Autism and Bilingual Special Education, a Bilingual Educational Consultant for the Austin Independent School District, providing training and workshops to parents of English-Language Learners in the areas of self empowerment, biliteracy skills, bilingualism and biculturalism.

Her awards and recognitions include “Orgullo Latino” by Univision, the “Dennis R. Garza Lifetime Achievement Award” by LULAC District 7, nominated for “The Power of One Award” by The University of Texas at Austin Principalship Program, a “Certificate of Recognition” by the State of Texas House of Representatives for working with Spanish-speaking children with autism, and was inducted in the “Women’s Hall of Fame” by the City of Austin.

Jill is also passionate about Latino art and history in Austin. Jill is the Executive Director, on a volunteer basis, for the Serie Print Project. She was married to Sam Coronado, artist and one of the founders of Mexic-Arte Museum. In 2000, Sam Coronado made a significant contribution by naming the museum as the Official Archive of the Serie Print Project.

The Serie Project, Inc. is a non-profit Latino arts organization located in Austin, Texas that produces, promotes and exhibits serigraphs created by established and emerging artists. It strives to emphasize the cultural diversity of the visual arts in Austin and Texas while developing awareness of Latino art and its importance in our communities. The Serie Print Project’s mission is to promote national and international artists from various professional levels and ethnic backgrounds. Austin artist Sam Coronado created the Project in 1993. We warmly welcome Jill Ramirez to the Board. Thank you for your dedication to Latino art and health.

Executive Director

Sylvia Orozco

Exhibitions

 Mix ‘n’ Mash – On Repeat: The Musicians Who Shaped Us Opening Reception

Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate Mexic-Arte’s newest exhibit, Mix ‘n’ Mash: The Musicians Who Shaped Us.

In this year’s Mix ‘n’ Mash, Mexic-Arte invited artists to honor the musicians and performers who have made a lasting impact. The exhibition features work by more than 200 local and regional artists, each created on high-quality panels generously donated by Ampersand Art Supply.

The artworks celebrate the people behind the sound, legendary figures, emerging artists and local musicians whose voices, styles and stories continue to shape culture. Spanning genres, traditions and generations from around the world, the exhibition reflects music’s universal influence.

Through realism, abstraction, symbolism and reinterpretation, artists capture the energy of performance, the intimacy of creation and the qualities that make these musicians unforgettable. Together, these works highlight the power of music and the individuals who continue to shape how we listen, feel and connect.

The opening was filled with music, community and art! Mexic-Arte Museum also donated 50% of the event’s ticket sales to Casa Marianella, a local shelter dedicated to serving displaced immigrants.

You can still purchase a board at the museum. If you have any questions about purchasing a board please reach out to the Mexic-Arte store at  

The professional quality acid-free panels used by the artists are Gessobords, made in Austin, Texas and generously donated by Ampersand Art Supply. Mexic-Arte Museum would like to recognize and thank all the participating artists for their participation and support.

Sponsored By

Mexic-Arte Museum Presents Rosas y Revelaciones: Homage to la Virgen de Guadalupe

Mexic-Arte Museum is proud to announce the opening of Rosas y Revelaciones: Homage to la Virgen de Guadalupe, an exhibition honoring one of Mexico’s most enduring cultural and spiritual icons through ninety extraordinary textile works. Curated by Luisa Fernanda Perez, this exhibition will be on display from April 17 to August 9, 2026.

Coordinated by Linda Hanna, Rosas y Revelaciones brings together extraordinary garments and wearable works of art inspired by the image of La Virgen de Guadalupe, created by textile artists from across 16 states in Mexico. The collection reflects both deep devotion and bold artistic innovation, offering visitors an intimate look at the ways traditional techniques can express profound faith, imagination and identity.

Originally rooted in Hanna’s long residence in Oaxaca and her close relationships with artisans there, the exhibition represents a remarkable range of textile traditions.The exhibition focuses primarily on clothing, reflecting the historical tradition of la Virgen de Guadalupe’s first appearance on a tilma (cloak).

Mexic-Arte Museum Curator, Luisa Fernanda Perez looks forward to this exhibit as she shares that “the image of the Virgencita is a foundational symbol of identity in Mexico and across the Americas. Embodying hope, resilience and protection, she represents the powerful fusion of Indigenous and European traditions. Through Rosas y Revelaciones, Mexic-Arte Museum pays homage not only to the Virgen de Guadalupe, but also to the artists whose textile works reinterpret and honor her enduring presence.”

The exhibition also features photographs by Jesse Herrera, documenting Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, an essential spiritual and cultural site for the Mexican and Mexican American communities of Austin.  These photographs are from the Mexic-Arte Museum permanent collection as well as the Briscoe Center and the Austin Public Library.

Since 1531, la Virgen de Guadalupe has shaped the cultural and artistic identity of Mexico. Rosas y Revelaciones: Homage to la Virgen de Guadalupe affirms her enduring power, not only as a religious icon, but as a universal symbol of hope, identity and resilience. Her image is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Latin America and beyond. Mexic-Arte Museum invites you to experience this landmark exhibition. Save the date for the opening reception on April 17 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Learn More

February Changarrito, Edward Gia

About the Artist

Edward Gia is an artist from New York, NY who is currently based in Austin, TX. His work maps the emotional terrain shaped by his Ecuadorian-Mexican American identity. Spanning family archives, self-portraits, marked texts and slow gestures of care, his practice stitches together diasporic memory and personal myth that traverses the liminal spaces between fiction and autobiography touching on migration, inheritance and the ache of intergenerational silence. His work anchors themes of longing and resilience within the folds of the everyday through poetic image-making, installation and archival layering forming layered constellations. Their work has been featured at Photoville, Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio and The Lucie Foundation, among others. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus in photography and video from the School of Visual Arts (2020) and is currently pursuing his Master of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art at The University of Texas at Austin (anticipated completion in 2026).

Artist Statement

My work blends both photography and installation to stitch together diasporic memory and personal myth. Through self-portraiture, I explore my longing to reconnect to my roots and my proximity to Mexico, and by extension, Ecuador. The camera and the shutter release cord become an extension of my body. It is both a measure of distance and a thread of intimacy that connects me land and the bond that binds me to the matriarchal lineage that I carry. These gestures unfold through poetic-image making and material experimentation, building visual narratives that give form to everyday life and inherited memory.

Edward will be at the Mexic-Arte Museum on Feb. 7, 8 and 28 and March 1 from 12 to 3 p.m. 

View Edward’s Work

January Changarrito, Jacob Garza

About the Artist

Jacob M. Garza Jr. is an artist, educator and academic advisor born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, now rooted in Austin. When he is not creating, he can be found enjoying pan de dulce or exploring nature trails. He currently works with Breakthrough Central Texas, supporting first gen-students through mentorship, college access and community building and serves as an spring intern with DORF. His creative practice explores memory and identity, often shaped by family stories and lived experience. Jacob’s work has been featured in VoyageHouston, Aspire 2 Inspire, Love & Chaos and Glasstire. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts with a concentration in Painting from Texas State University and has led art and museum education programs in both Texas and Wisconsin.

Artist Statement

I’m a multidisciplinary artist, community educator and advisor born and baked in the South Texas sun. Originally from San Antonio, Texas but now based in Austin, Texas. I use art as a sacred tool, inspired by the ideas of mysticism as a lens to explore: spaces, memory and identity. Through my work I aim to create atmospheric scenes that are meditative. Motivated by my family’s migration stories and tales from within my barrio. Inspired by artists like Ivan Montoya and his use of symbolism with the Mexican diaspora and Sky Glabush with his use of color and landscape.

View Jacob’s Changarrito Interview

View Jacob’s Work

Collections

In honor of the current exhibition, Mix ’n’ Mash- On Repeat: The Musicians Who Shaped Us, Mexic-Arte Museum highlights Mix ’n’ Mash boards that have been added to the permanent collection over the years. This month, Mexic-Arte highlights the artists Chantal Lesley and Luis R Gutiérrez .

Chantal Lesley is a multicultural, first-generation American born and raised in Brownsville, TX, located along the United States/Mexico border. Being the daughter of immigrants from both Germany and Peru has brought upon a feeling of being stretched between four cultures and has led her to confront ideas that focus on identity and contemporary social and political issues in her work. Her work is self-reflective, often portraying themes of the intangible such as memory, dreams and the retelling of autobiographical stories. Lesley acquired her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine Art Photography from Texas State University in 2021 and has exhibited her work throughout Texas and the United States.

Luis R. Gutiérrez was born August 1951 in Mexico DF. He received a Bachelor of Arts in History from The University of Texas at San Antonio. His major focus was on Chicano History with elective studies in Painting and Sculpture. In 1978, he moved to South Texas, where he resumed his art interest in a non-degree tenure at Texas A&M University Kingsville. He studied art history, drawing, printmaking, and ceramics. In 1981, he moved to Austin to continue his art endeavor with a parallel career in the Austin Fire Department. He retired in 2010, ending an involvement that spanned 28 years, of which the last five, was spent as the department’s photographer. He still lives and works in Austin. Gutierrez is a multi-media artist. His installations reflect a sensibility to seek and to illustrate the relevance of specific topics or issues both present and historical as they relate to contemporary society.

Please come visit Mexic-Arte Museum’s exhibition, Mix ’n’ Mash- On Repeat: The Musicians Who Shaped Us till March 8th, 2026 to view pieces from a variety of amazing artists and get the chance to own a piece yourself! All proceeds from Mix ’n’ Mash supporting the museum’s programming for children and adults.

Education

Spring 2026 Internship Applications – Deadline, Sunday, February 8, 2026

Applications Due: Friday, February 8, 2026

Mexic-Arte Museum has served as a pipeline for the professional development of emerging Latinx artists and arts administrators. The internship program aims to cultivate the next generation of museum professionals by offering hands-on experience and career-building opportunities to interns who will work under the mentorship of museum professionals in various departments, gaining valuable skills. Interns will have the opportunity to build professional networks, enhance creativity and critical thinking and apply practical knowledge in a real-world setting.

Internship Program Information:

• Interns must be current undergraduate students in the Austin, Texas area.
• Internships run for ten weeks (March 6-May 15) with a commitment of 10 hours per week during office hours (Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
• Pay rate: $22/h
• Interns will contribute to the Spring 2026 museum programs and exhibitions.

Internship Department Descriptions: Click department to see applications.

• Collections- Collections Intern will work on standardizing existing records and digitizing new artworks and cultural materials, helping to make the collection accessible to the general public.
• Curatorial- Curatorial Intern will gain an international, national and local perspective of traditional and contemporary Mexican and Latinx/a/o/e art through assisting with the preparation of exhibitions, researching artists, helping with exhibition proposals, assisting with exhibition archives, writing for exhibition didactics, writing for various exhibitions and programs and general departmental support.
• Development- Development Intern will prepare for three major projects: Cinco de Mayo Luncheon and Heritage Festival and the Rosas y Revelaciones exhibition. The development intern will support the stewardship of grants, major gifts and sponsorships for these projects at various points in the giving lifecycle, which will support the overall membership program and organizational development.
• Digital Media- Digital Media Intern will assist in organizing assets, strategizing updates the website, add past content and build new event pages, improve its accessibility and create and utilize SEO/marketing trends and management practices.
• Education- Education Interns will assist with in-house educational programs, which include: creating gallery guides, leading tours, hands-on activities during tours, preparing for and facilitating creative projects, family days, workshops, as well as exhibition/art history related planning/execution and activities.
• Graphic Design- Graphic Design Intern will assist in designing signage, editorial, illustration, social media graphics, programs, photography, exhibition design, merchandise for the store, intern swag and invitations for the museum’s educational programs, events and more.
• Preparator- Exhibit Preparation Intern will work on coordinating the logistics of new exhibits, as well as ensuring the permanent collection remains organized, accessible and well-preserved. This department also works closely with the curatorial and collections departments and is responsible for logistics and production during special events, routine gallery maintenance.
• Special Events & Marketing- Special Events and Marketing Intern will assist in managing the museum’s external communications and executing special events. This includes opportunities to help produce advertisements, press releases, newsletters, brochures, email marketing, social media content and coordinating the logistics of large scale museum events.

Visit https://mexic-artemuseum.org/learn/internships/ to read full position descriptions, apply and learn more about past internship cohorts. 

This program is made possible by the support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) initiative: Latino Museum Initiative Expansion Project, which is designed to provide opportunities for internships and fellowships at American Latino museums for students enrolled in Institutions of Higher Education, including Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

Mexic-Arte Museum currently offers paid internships to current undergraduate students in the Austin Area during the fall, spring and summer semesters.

Totally Cool Totally Art 2026

The Mexic-Arte Museum is once again very excited to partner with the City of Austin Totally Cool Totally Art (TCTA) to present the annual mid-season exhibition of Totally Cool Totally Art, featuring artwork by youth in grades 7 through 12 – including painting, sculpture, metalsmithing and culinary art which they made during after school classes throughout the semester.

The exhibition will be open to the public from Thursday, February 12 to Sunday March 1, 2026. A reception will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026 for families, instructors, coordinators and youth artists to celebrate the mid season of Totally Cool Totally Art 2026 and give awards to youth artists selected for this exhibition. 

Totally Cool Totally Art (TCTA) has been developing teen creativity and confidence since 1996. TCTA is unique in that their classes are completely free to Austin’s youth teen community. Teens learn various techniques by working directly alongside professional artists and the program reinforces positive choices by offering art appreciation in a mentoring environment. Their mission is to help give teens new experiences, build respect and trust and improve their skills in creative expression, communication, teamwork and art appreciation. Thank you to all participants and to friends at the Parks and Recreation Department for providing this wonderful program!

Visit https://www.austintexas.gov/department/totally-cool-totally-art to learn more.

Family Day: Make Puppets and Pop Up Cards with Totally Cool Totally Art!

When: Sunday, February 22nd | 1 to 4 p.m.

Where: Mexic-Arte Museum

What: Create your own paper puppets and pop up cards with Totally Cool Totally Art Teaching Artists! Bring your imagination; all materials and supplies are provided. Family day is free and open for all ages to attend.

Family Days are free events held on selected Sundays where youth and families may visit the museum and create art with artists from the current exhibitions and programs.

Every Sunday, Mexic-Arte Museum has free admission for all thanks to H-E-B and the Downtown Austin Alliance.

Community Events y Más

Follow @mexic_arte_edu on Instagram to hear about community art and cultural events for families in Austin. You may be able to screen print with us at some of them! Make sure to check Mexic-Arte Museum Instagram stories.

Development

Save The Date – 2026 Cinco de Mayo Luncheon on May 5, 2026

The Cinco de Mayo Luncheon gathers downtown businesses and stakeholders to celebrate, promote and learn about the Mexic-Arte Museum, the Cinco de Mayo victory and the 5th St. Mexican American Cultural District. Mexic-Arte Museum invites you and your company to sponsor the 4th annual Cinco de Mayo Luncheon that will take place on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

This event provides important history around Cinco de Mayo, raises awareness of the newly designated 5th St. Mexican American Cultural District and supports the museum’s education programs. Mexic-Arte Museum is thrilled to host this event at the Thompson Austin, a cultural district neighbor staffed with a master chef.

In addition to the luncheon, your sponsorship will support the second annual Cinco de Mayo Festival,  a free event on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Republic Square! Mexic-Arte Museum, in partnership with the Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation, and the City of Austin ACME department will present the festival, highlighting the vibrant contribution of Mexican culture to downtown Austin. This family-friendly event features a variety of engaging activities from both cultures including art activities, educational games, live performances, delicious food and diverse vendors. It’s a day dedicated to celebrating the traditions and connections that make this day special.

We hope that you will become a sponsor of the Cinco de Mayo Luncheon through art, history and camaraderie while supporting the museum. If you need more information or have questions, please contact Development Coordinator Mindy Radike at .

Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at the Cinco de Mayo Luncheon and Festival!

Activate Your 2026 Membership

You are invited to join the 2026 membership program and enjoy unlimited free admission and 10% off museum store purchases. Full membership levels and benefits are listed on our membership page. Your membership can be purchased online or in-store. 

Activate your membership to be a part of everything the museum has to offer!

Visit Mexic-Arte Museum on Free Sundays!

Tours on Sunday – Free Admission!

Thanks to the generous support of H-E-B and the Downtown Austin Alliance, we are thrilled to offer free admission and public tours every Sunday at Mexic-Arte Museum! 

Tours on Sundays provides a unique opportunity to connect with the rich history and vibrant art of the Mexican, Latinx and Chicanx communities. Join us for guided tours in English at 2 p.m. and in Spanish at 3 p.m., where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the art on display. This is a great way for visitors of all ages to engage with both traditional and contemporary art forms.

Mexic-Arte Museum Store

Local Artists Merch & Gifts Now Featured!

Featured Artist: Tressa Gonzalez

Follow the New Artists on Instagram!

• Tressa Gonzalez – @smittenkittentx
• Laura Clay – @lauraclayart
• Marlene Macias – @shopmootmagoo
• Nydia Salinas – @clayvalleystudio
• Sofia Villanueva – @mavah_designs
• Lindsay Gabriel – @firedartsbylindsay