A Message from the Director
The Latino Museum Internship Expansion
Project Launched in 2024
“Latinos shaped this country and its culture even before there was a United States. Historically, however, museums have overlooked the Latino experience despite the fact that Latino history is American history; Latino art is part of the American canon, and Latino research scientists’ contributions are American achievements. If museums are to accurately recover the past, honestly engage with the present, and creatively imagine the future, they will need diverse, first voice practitioners to lead the way in empowering museums to better serve diverse and deserving communities.”
-Eduardo Diaz, Former Acting Deputy Director, National Museum of the American Latino, Smithsonian Institution
On January 26, 2024, Mexic-Arte Museum welcomed the first group of interns of the Latino Museum Internship Expansion Project. They smiled and radiated enthusiasm during the orientation in the main gallery, sending the message that they were ready to work, learn theory, and participate in the programming of one of the few Latinx museums in the U.S. We congratulate the new team members for being selected from over two hundred applicants. The interns (as pictured above) are Sebastian Barajas, Curatorial Intern, UT Austin – Art History major, Arts Management and Administration minor; Joey Holbert, Graphic Design Intern, UT Austin – Graphic Design; Aoife Hopkins, Development Intern, UT Austin – Public Relations major, Communicating Social Issues minor; Julio Martinez, Preparator Intern, UT Austin – BFA Studio Art & BS Arts and Entertainment Technologies; Monica Ruth Olivo, Collections Intern, UT Austin – Mexican American and Latina/o Studies; Museum Studies minor; Renata Salazar, Special Events & Marketing Intern, UT Austin – Advertising Major, Business Administration Minor; Zoraida Sanchez, Education Intern UT Austin – Youth and Community Studies major, Art History minor; and Joel Saucedo, Digital Media Intern, University of London (online) – Computer Science. We thank the interns for caring about culture, heritage, and art; for having the courage to experience the field of museums and non-profit organizations; and for wanting to make a difference and a contribution to the community.
Mexic-Arte Museum received one of twenty-two grants for this initiative from the Institute of Museum and Library Services over the three year period for the Latino Museum Internship Expansion Project. This grant will allow Mexic-Arte Museum to improve and formalize relationships and partnerships with Central Texas universities and colleges, as well as to contribute to the overall community and general civic well-being. The program will compensate interns from colleges and universities, as well as support Museum staff for mentoring program participants. For nearly twenty-five years, interns have been an integral and key component of the Museum, and Mexic-Arte is excited for this development in the program.
Mexic-Arte Museum has served as a pipeline for the professional development of emerging Latinx artists and arts administrators, as well as given a spotlight to established Latinx artists. It is the objective of the Museum to train the next generation of museum professionals by offering career opportunities that equip individuals with the necessary skills to thrive as members of the arts professional workforce, creating a new generation of Latinx leadership in Central Texas and beyond.
The Latino Museum Internship Expansion Project will provide hands-on training opportunities for undergraduate students. Students benefit from the mentorship of museum professionals and participate in the many roles that go into managing a museum and its exhibitions, including curation, education, development, design, marketing, and social and digital media. There are not a wealth of opportunities for Latinx, BIPOC, and/or economically disadvantaged college students to explore careers in art, history, and culture; this project meets that need.
The internship model is a carefully crafted learning experience in which mentors work closely with interns to develop goals throughout the semester. Mexic-Arte will pay the eight interns $20 an hour for the first year, 10 hours per week. Over the 10-week internship period, this will total $2,000 in earnings for each intern. Each year during three semesters, twenty-three interns will be trained. The project coordinator is Luisa Fernanda Perez, Education Curator.
The Mexic-Arte Museum aims to provide interns with the ability to participate in practical work experiences related to their course of study, acquiring valuable skills that they will be able to use in their careers. Even if interns do not end up pursuing a career in the arts, they will benefit from this experience. Internships create a better workforce, especially when they center diversity and create meaningful connections with the community. They provide real world experience and give students confidence when they graduate to apply at museums, cultural centers, art related organizations, and beyond.
Mexic-Arte has had many intern success stories; many students who began their career at the Museum have gone on to do great things. Amy Anderson held an Education internship at Mexic- Arte in 2021, and she currently works as Mexic-Arte’s Registrar Associate. Maia Castillo, another former intern, is the museum’s Digital Media Associate. Emily Guerra, currently the Senior Docent Coordinator at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, began as an education intern in 2021, and she currently works as Mexic-Arte’s Registrar Associate.
Dr. Claudia Zapata now the first Associate Curator of Latino Art at the Blanton Museum of Art
writes,
“The Mexic-Arte Museum has been a foundational career-defining institution for me. Initially, I was a summer intern working with Executive Director Sylvia Orozco, organizing the permanent collection featuring world-renowned fine art print collections such as the Serie Print Project archive, the Taller Grafica Popular Print Collection, and the Ernesto F. de Soto Collection. Eventually, Orozco partnered with the University of Texas at Austin’s Art History department to create a research assistantship for me to assist in their exhibition Aztec and Maya Revival (2008). As a master’s student working on Maya art, my experience working with Mexic-Arte Museum allowed me to navigate the intricacies of explaining the ancient world to the general public. In 2010, I was the guest curator for their ELA (Emerging Latinx Artists) annual exhibition. Later that year, I was hired by the museum as the Education Program Manager and eventual Curator. These experiences were vital to my current role as the first Associate Curator of Latino Art at the Blanton Museum of Art.”
We look forward to getting to know all the interns and being energized by their creativity, new ideas, and enthusiasm.
We thank and recognize our professional museum staff who crafted this grant and who will mentor and guide the interns. We are grateful to the Institute of Museum and Library Services for the support to make the Latino Museum Internship Expansion Project a reality that will make an impact on the individuals, the Museum, and the community.
Mexic-Arte Museum Receives HABLA Award 2023!
Mexic-Arte Museum is honored to receive one of the ten Hispanic Advocates Business Leaders of Austin’s (HABLA) awards of 2023. Over 10 years ago HABLA initiated a new annual tradition by taking a look back at the previous year and ranking the Top 10 Latino Stories, Organizations, Businesses and People. HABLA recognizes awardees for involvement and work to impact the local Latino community. HABLA notes that “All together, we made a difference!”
Mexic-Arte Museum was recognized for creating a space by, for Mexican Americans and the community in central Texas, serving thousands of visitors. During 2023, Mexic-Arte formally embarked in the new design, programming, and planning for a new beautiful, modern $20+ million-dollar building. Mexic-Arte Museum at the current site thanks to Austin voters who approved bond funds in 2006 and 2018. Also in 2023, the City of Austin selected Mexic-Arte to serve as the partner on the development of the new Mexican American Heritage Corridor. Mexic‐Arte Museum remains dedicated to enriching the community through education programs, exhibitions, and the collection, preservation, and interpretation of Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and culture for visitors of all ages.
Thank you HABLA and Paul Saldana, founder of HABLA for this award. Mexic-Arte Museum is proud to serve the community in Central Texas.
Executive Director
Sylvia Orozco
Exhibitions
Mix ‘n’ Mash: Celebrating Austin Opens
February 2, 2024
You’re Invited! Opening Reception: Friday, February 2, 2024 from 6-9pm
When: Friday, February 2nd from 6:00pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Ave, Austin, Texas, 78701
Parking: Frost Bank Tower – $10 parking for visitors after 5PM (4th and Brazos St.)
Music: DJ hEXXGF
Art Activity: Materials donated by Ampersand Art Supply
Refreshments: Drinks provided by Lalo Tequila
Snacks: HEB Catering
Admission: $10 for Non-members or Free for Museum Members
$25 special discount on full year individual memberships at the door only!
Tax free night on all art sales!
Mix ‘n’ Mash is an annual group exhibition displaying artworks by more than 200 artists, created on high quality Gessobord panels generously donated by Ampersand Art Supply. Each limited-edition Mix ‘n’ Mash artwork is uniquely crafted for this exhibition, with all proceeds from board sales supporting the Museum’s programming.
This group exhibition explores and celebrates Austin, the political and historical center of Texas. People come from all over to settle down, participate in politics, relax in the hill country, dine on world-class cuisine, enjoy the live music, and much more.
This year, Mexic-Arte celebrates the large and small of what makes Austin weird, interesting, and timeless. Mix ‘n’ Mash: Celebrate Austin will be on display February 2 –March 17, 2024.
Come check out Hecho en Austin & I Love Austin Edition, designed by Sara Palma and screen-printed by Ramona Press. Get yours today for an amazing $35 per board!
January Changarrito Artist, Juan de Dios Mora
The Changarrito artist for January 2024, Juan de Dios Mora, presented his work on the Changarrito cart at Mexic-Arte Museum on January 27th and 28th. You can see his conversation with Mexic-Arte Curator Isabel Servantez on Instagram here.
About the Artist
“I have lived in a border town (Laredo, TX) where different cultures clash and yet expressions and emotions coalesce. However here in the US, its traditions, racism, and stereotypes have introduced me to the reality of being an immigrant in a different country.
Working representationally and sometimes with the surreal I portray images of the typical Mexican American’s life, iconography, and beliefs. My objective is to bring people together, with sentimental, satirical, sarcastic, and comical themes. I hope to evoke self-awareness and then to superimpose that awareness on the experiences of life.”
You can see more of Juan’s artwork here.
About Changarrito Program
Changarrito is an art vending cart conceptualized by artist Maximo Gonzalez as an alternative to the official gallery selection presented by the Mexican cultural authorities. True to the Mexic-Arte Museum’s mission, the Changarrito is dedicated to the presentation and promotion of contemporary Latinx and Latin American art. Artists sell their art on the Changarrito cart in front of the Museum (or an offsite location, as a representative for the Museum during various Austin festivals). It expands the reach of the artist by presenting their gallery online, while allowing the option to sell merch over Instagram and receive 100% of the sale.
February 2024 Changarrito Artist
Hailey Marmolejo
Artist Statement
Hailey’s work is a testament to the spirit of the Tejana woman, and the beauty and strength of the landscape that she embodies. While the native flora, such as the agave and the nopal, are enchanting and elegant, they are also incredibly tough and resilient, able to survive in harsh environments. Similarly, Hailey’s art captures the duality of these plants through her use of bright and vibrant colors mixing with bold, contrasting lines, resulting in artworks that are both delicate and fierce. Through her work, Hailey showcases the complexities and contradictions of her own identity, and the South Texas landscape and culture that has shaped it.
About the Artist
Hailey Marmolejo was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, where her passion for art began to flourish from an early age. Pursuing her creative ambitions, she decided to major in Fine Arts and minor in Spanish at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, and worked as an intern at Mexic-Arte Museum and La Peña Gallery. Seeking new artistic perspectives, Hailey made a journey to study painting at the Universidad de Antonio de Nebrija in Madrid for one semester. Armed with her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Hailey made her way to New York City, where she continued to paint and engage in street art. Meanwhile, she also worked at the Brooklyn Museum of Art, immersing herself further in the art world. In 2020 Hailey moved back to San Antonio and hasn’t put her brush down since. Through her dedication to the craft, Hailey has produced murals all over the city of San Antonio, and her artworks have been exhibited at various galleries, museums and businesses in NYC, Texas, and New Mexico.
Come see Hailey and support her when she is at the museum February 20th, 21st, 27th, and 28th. She will be interviewed by Isabel Servantez, the Curator of Exhibitions and Director of Programs on Instagram Live on Thursday, February 29th at 5:00pm.
Collections
Mix’n’Mash in the Mexic-Arte Museum Permanent Collection
In conjunction with the upcoming exhibition, 2024 Mix’n’Mash: Celebrating Austin, the Mexic-Arte Museum would like to highlight some Mix’n’Mash boards that have been added to our permanent collection over the years.
For 2017 Mix’n’Mash: XOXO, Celia Alvarez Muñoz submitted a beautiful board depicting a perplexed Cupid. Celia Alvarez Muñoz (B. 1937 in El Paso, Texas) is a conceptual multi-media artist and is known for her photography, painting, installations, public art, and pros. Muñoz has been awarded two National Endowment of the Arts fellowships and was exhibited in the 1991 Whitney Biennial. Projects include a design collaboration with Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta and with the City of Dallas for the Latino Cultural Center/Centro Cultural de Dallas. Muñoz’s photographs are part of the invitational traveling exhibition Our Journeys/Our Stories: Portraits of Latino Achievement by the Smithsonian Institution. In 2021, Muñoz received one of the prestigious US Latinx Artist Fellowships coordinated by The US Latinx Art Forum, with support from the Mellon and Ford Foundations
In 2012, Delilah Montoya submitted her piece, Mi Amor Me Ha Dado Recuerdos Para Ti/My Love Has Given Me Memories of You. It was acquired by Dr. Cynthia E. Orozco, which she later gifted to the Mexic-Arte Museum. Born in Fort Worth and raised in Nebraska with deep roots in northern New Mexico, Montoya’s work explores the lived reality of the Mexican American community. Working in a variety of photographic and printing processes, as well as creating multimedia installations, she aims to generate conversations that are densely textured and provocatively layered with aesthetic, spiritual, and political meaning. She has been engaged with photography for over twenty-five years and visually explores cultural history, memory, and identity through an approach that is both documentary and narrative. Montoya is also a professor of photography at the School of Art at the University of Houston. Mi Amor Me Ha Dado Recuerdos Para Ti (My Love Has Given Me Memories for You) was a precursor to an exhibition based on the artist book that is mounted on the gesso board. The artist states that it was “designed as a cathartic gesture to ease and bring closure to a personal relationship.” She writes that “the book [and show] unravel a complicated and tragic death. Presented as a compound narrative, the images, script, and keepsakes amassed during the relationship become a visual memoir.”
Come visit the Mexic-Arte Museum’s current exhibition, 2024 Mix’n’Mash: Celebrating Austin from February 2nd to March 17th, 2024 to view pieces from a variety of amazing artists, and get a chance to own a piece yourself! All proceeds from Mix ‘n’ Mash support the museum’s programming for children and adults.
Education
Totally Cool Totally Art, Opens in February!
For more than 20 years, Mexic-Arte Museum has partnered with Totally Cool Totally Art to curate and host an exhibition to celebrate the artworks created by youth in Austin area Recreation centers.
A reception will be held on February 22nd, where students, families, instructors, coordinators, and facilitators will recognize the artists, their artwork, and the partnership that supports the exhibition. In addition, Mexic-Arte and TCTA are partnering for a Domingo en Familia/Family Day on Sunday, February 25 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. During this Domingo en familia, our friends from TCTA will lead a workshop where participants will be able to create mini cardboard sculptures. Admission and the workshop are free.
This exhibition is one of Mexic-Arte’s favorite platforms for the youth that encourages them to pursue the arts.
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 teen community. 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.
This collection features some of the work from the first half of the 2023-2024 season. You will find digital art, animation, paintings, spray paintings, sculptures, and fiber arts.
Welcome Spring 2024 Interns!
The Mexic-Arte Museum is very excited to welcome the Spring 2024 Interns. This is the first intern cohort of the Latino Museum Initiative Expansion Project, an initiative created by the Institute of Museum & Library Services (IMLS) designed to advance individuals’ careers in studying American Latinx life, art, history, and culture.
We received over two hundred applications and selected eight wonderful students who will work alongside Mexic-Arte staff for ten weeks.
Welcome to the team!
Curatorial Intern: Sebastian Barajas
Graphic Design Intern: Joey Holbert
Development Intern: Aoife Hopkins
Preparator Intern: Julio Martinez
Collections Intern: Monica Ruth Olivo
Special Events & Marketing: Renata Salazar
Education Intern: Zoraida Sanchez
Digital Media Intern: Joel Saucedo
Special Events
Cinco de Mayo Luncheon- Save the Date!
Date: Thursday, April 25, 2024
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Place: Thompson Hotel, 506 San Jancinto Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78701
Guest Speakers: TBA
Attire: Business and/or Fiesta Attire
Music: Mariachis
Silent Action: Artwork and more!
Sponsorship options coming soon!
We are thrilled to once again partner with the Thompson Hotel to bring downtown Austin the second iteration of the Cinco de Mayo Luncheon!
Join us for educational activation, delicious courses, and fascinating history as we celebrate the past, present, and future of the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor and District.
Along with bringing world-class programming to Central Texas for forty years, Mexic-Arte Museum has partnered with the City of Austin and the Downtown Austin Alliance to have the 5th Street Corridor designated as a Cultural District by the state of Texas. This would be transformative for the area economically, culturally, and educationally.
Keep an eye out for our sponsorship packet, and we look forward to seeing you at the Luncheon!
Taste of Mexico- Save the Date!
Taste of Mexico returns on May 1st to celebrate the artistry and culinary innovation of Austin and Mexico! Since 1998, Mexic-Arte Museum’s Taste of Mexico has become one of the leading Mexican-inspired culinary events of the year, with over 1,200 people in attendance in previous years. This culturally conscious event invites guests to generously sample creative cuisines from over 50 of Austin’s most eclectic and exciting restaurants, food trucks, and beverage purveyors providing fine tequilas and mezcales. This year’s Taste of Mexico will follow the theme Antojitos. Guests will also get to enjoy food demos, music, and more!
Theme: Antojitos / “Little Cravings”
Antojitos are “little cravings,” or delicious appetizers, that reflect the diverse regional influences and ingredients that contribute to their creation. From street vendors to family gatherings to traditional mercados, antojitos are enjoyed across Mexico, fostering a sense of community and connection through shared meals. Tamales, tacos, quesadillas, sopes, flautas, gorditas, tortas, elotes y más are just a few examples of these delectable treats that showcase Mexico’s culinary heritage. In Antojitos we celebrate the spirit of Mexican hospitality and we enjoy the vibrant flavors that define this remarkable cuisine from various chefs/restaurants.
Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2023
Time: 6–9 PM; VIP Access 5:30 PM*
Where: Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
Music & Performance: TBD
Activities: Screen printing, Loteria, and more fun!
Tickets: $65 Museum Members, $70 General Admission, $85 VIP
Development
Amplify Austin, Amplify Mexic-Arte Museum
Amplify Austin Day: March 6 – March 7
It is that time of year again, Austin! Amplify Austin has officially kicked off. Over the next several weeks, we ask you to give what you can to support our Changarrito retrospective, Creating Encuentros.
The Changarrito program is a month-long residency program that uplifts emerging artists of color, gives them a platform to sell their art, grants them a wide audience, and ensures their work will become part of the Museum’s permanent collection.
For Creating Encuentros: Changarrito 2012 – 2024, we are looking to bring in as many past Changarrito artists as possible for murals, commissioned pieces, and additional art sales. Your support goes directly to these artists, helping them in their career and exposure. We appreciate any and all that you can share!
When: Start giving now until March 7th!
How: Click the button below to donate!
Store
Shop the Mexic-Arte Museum Store!
Check out our Valentine’s Day collection!
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Learn more about the Mexic-Arte Museum
Operations, Exhibition and Art Education Programs Support: Ampersand Art Supply, Applied Materials, Austin Convention Center, Austin Independent School District Creative Classrooms, Austin Lowriding, Peter M. Baez, Michael Best, the Brown Foundation, Brown Distributing Company, Capital Printing, Chase Bank, City of Austin Departments: Cultural Arts Division; Economic Development; Health Department; Community Youth Development Program; Parks & Recreation; Public Works; and Special Events, Clay Imports, Consulate General of Mexico in Austin, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Erwin Cuellar, Libby & Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Downtown Austin Alliance, Dr. Karen Davalos, Endeavor Real Estate Group, Fenix Post Tension, Inc., Fonda San Miguel, Ford Foundation, Tom Gilliland, GoDaddy, GTOPs Capacity, Juan J Gutierrez, Charlotter Hage Dalbey, Jennifer Hage Bond, Patricia Hage Hirsh, Robin Suzanne Hage, H-E-B, H-E-B Tournament of Champions, Hendler Flores Law, Humanities Texas, IBC Bank, IBM, Institute of Museum & Library Services, Ed Jordan, JP’s Peace Love & Happiness Foundation, La Voz, Linbeck, LMN/Page, Ann McEldowney, Bettina & Travis Mathis, Mellon Foundation, National Endowment for The Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, Nettie & M.K. Hage Family, Laurel Prats, Gloria Reyna, Elizabeth Rogers, Juan Antonio Sandoval Jr., Rosa Santis & Pedro SS Services, Serie Print Project, Siete, Delia Sifuentes, Silcone Labs, Spurs, State Farm – Alejandra de la Torre, Susto Mezcal, Ingrid and James Taylor, Texas Commission of the Arts, Texas Gas Service, Thompson Austin, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Univision 62, Univision Radio, Warfield Center, Waterloo Greenway, Lola Wright Foundation, Jane & Manuel Zuniga, and Mark Zuniga, 3M – Austin.