A Message from the Director
Thank you to the Mexic-Arte Museum Board of Directors!
On Feb. 22, 2025 a cold morning, Mexic-Arte Museum Board of Directors gathered for the annual Board Retreat. Bright smiles, tacos and coffee warmed and inspired everyone, igniting great ideas and camaraderie. The Retreat strengthened the Board in many ways preparing us for this year’s work. I would like to thank all the Board Members for their commitment and support of the Mexic-Arte Museum. I would like to thank Paul Saldana, President for his leadership and passion. Thank you, Elizabeth Rogers & Winstead PC for hosting the meeting and thanks to J.B. Sauceda for facilitating. I want to acknowledge Stuart Hersh, Building Committee Chair since 2009 who has provide invaluable leadership and knowledge guiding the Museum building project. The Museum is fortunate to have such dedicated community members invested in the Museum.
Mexic-Arte Museum was founded in 1984, over forty years ago by three artists, Pio Pulido, Sam Coronado and myself. We have come a long way since that time. Through the hard work of the Board of Directors and team, we have made major accomplishments. Our vision has been steadfast to build a dignified place for the community to share and engage in Mexican, Mexican American and Latin American art. This year we will continue to advance on the building project. We look forward to a great 2025!
I also want to thank and acknowledge Andrew Gonzales, Consultant for his work with the Museum on the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor Community Outreach and Engagement Project as well as the Downtown Austin Alliance for their support and contributions to the project. We are pleased announce that on Feb. 27th , the Austin City Council approved Phase 2, development of the Cultural District Development activities for the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor. We will continue working with Andrew Gonzales to develop the 5 th Street Corridor and District. The 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor and District running from Republic Square to Plaza Saltillo is dedicated to preserving cultural heritage, promoting the arts, celebrating the present, and developing a Texas designated cultural district that fosters economic growth and cultivates creativity for both visitors and future generations. The vision is for the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor and District to be a vibrant district that prides itself as the home of unique museums, world-class music venues, public art, and creative seasonal programming, serving as a must-visit destination for families and tourists alike. We thank the City of Austin for supporting this important Austin project.
Executive Director
Sylvia Orozco
Exhibitions
Thank You for Supporting Mix ‘n’ Mash: Ecos del Pasado/Echoes of the Past!
The Mexic-Arte Museum extends its deepest gratitude to the talented artists and everyone who attended the opening of Mix ‘n’ Mash: Ecos del Pasado/Echoes of the Past. The community’s presence and support made the evening a remarkable celebration of culture and creativity.
A special thank you to the artists whose work brought the exhibit to life, and to all those who contributed to making this event a success. We look forward to next year! Thank you to Ampersand for sponsoring this exhibition for 16 incredible years.
February Changarrito Artist, David Delgado
About the Artist
David Delgado (b.1992) is a visual artist from Houston, Texas. Being a first generation Mexican American with a bilingual upbringing, symbolic language is a strong part of the artwork he creates. This presents itself as questioning and showcasing objects that often go disregarded. By doing so, exploring objects as placeholders for larger conversations of value in a capitalistic centered environment.
Delgado earned his BFA in Studio Art Sculpture from the University of Houston in 2014. He was an illustrator for the Daily Cougar Newspaper 2011-2014. From 2013-2021 he worked as a bronze patineur and office manager at a bronze art foundry that his family established. Afterwards, he returned to academics, teaching art to K-6 students with organizations such as MECA and Harmony Public School District.
Artist Statement
“David Delgado that explores perceptions of value, nostalgia, and rarity through vibrant paintings and meticulously crafted sculptures. Inspired by items found on eBay, Delgado’s work examines how certain objects—often trivial or overlooked—acquire sentimental worth for niche audiences. Featuring paintings of toy collectibles and surreal depictions of “rare” Hot Cheeto shapes, alongside bronze sculptures of mundane trinkets, the exhibition brings attention to the dual nature of these objects as both significant and banal. Through this approach, Delgado encourages viewers to question the forces that elevate everyday items into cherished collectibles.”
David was at the Mexic-Arte Museum featuring their artwork on the Changarrito cart right outside the Museum’s entrance, in addition Mexic-Arte has partnered with ALMAAHH and Monterroso Gallery who will be hosting David during February 22 and March 2nd from 12 – 3pm. If you are in Houston visit David at Monterroso Gallery!
The Museum’s curator, Luisa Fernanda Perez had a conversation with David Thursday, February 27. Check it out on the Museum’s Instagram.
Follow us on Instagram for updates on original work available for purchase and behind the scenes of the artist’s work, space, and creative process!
January Changarrito Artist, Steph Granillo
Thank you to the first Changarrito of the year resident artist Steph Granillo! Steph was at the Mexic-Arte Museum featuring her artwork on the Changarrito cart right outside the Museum’s entrance in January. Mexic-Arte Museum’s Curator Luisa Fernanda Perez interviewed Steph and discussed her quilting practice. View the conversation here.
About the Artist
Steph Granillo is an Austin-based visual artist whose work explores the human experience primarily through improvisational quilting. Since 2018 she has been crafting vibrant, intricate pieces that capture emotional landscapes in organic forms, reflecting her connection to the environment and to storytelling.
Steph’s work has garnered recognition in the art world, with features in publications like Curated Quilts and a residency with Future Front Texas. When not creating art, Steph can be found reading, making waffles, and trying to identify all the birds that visit her garden.
Artist Statement
“My work celebrates the joy and beauty that can be found in unexpected places.
I transform forgotten textiles into dynamic, colorful compositions, using discarded clothing and household linens that would otherwise be destined for the landfill. This process not only promotes sustainability but also honors the silent stories woven into these fabrics.
My artistic approach balances deliberate design with spontaneous creation, allowing the unique characteristics of each textile to guide the work. The resulting pieces are both carefully crafted and organically evolved, sparking conversation about sustainability, memory, and overlooked beauty in everyday life.”
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.
Collections
Mix ‘n’ Mash: Ecos del Pasado/Echoes of the Past Features Artist, Briar Bonifacio
In conjunction with the current exhibition, 2025 Mix’n’Mash: Ecos del pasado/ Echoes of the Past, the 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 artist Briar Bonifacio’s Abuelos Guacamole.
Mix’n’Mash derived from the terms “mix-and-match” (to combine elements in a harmonious and interesting way) and “mash-up” (a work that blends two or more songs or pieces of art from different genres). Mix’n’Mash is an original concept by Mexic-Arte Museum, which refers not only to the mashing of genres into one work of art, but also to the mixing of work by various artists to create a unique collector’s set. A group exhibition displaying artworks by 200+ local and regional artists created on quality Gessobord panels donated by Ampersand Art Supply. Each limited-edition Mix ‘n’ Mash artwork is uniquely crafted for the exhibition with all proceeds from Mix ‘n’ Mash supporting the museum’s programming for children and adults.
Born and raised in Austin, Briar Bonifacio is a self-taught muralist and graphic artist whose artwork adorns some of the most popular spots in the city. Largely inspired by cartoon-like imagery, the subjects of Bonifacio’s artworks are usually inanimate objects with human characteristics. Bonifacio’s use of characters multiple times in different artworks, gives his artwork a recognizable personality. Not only does the sense of humor Briar Bonifacio addes to his murals, serigraphs, and paintings make him a uniquely recognizable contemporary artist in Austin, but he has also exhibited in New York, Miami, San Francisco, Portland, Chicago and won residencies in Hartford’s Pope Park and New York’s Deitch Projects Art Parade.
Please come visit the Mexic-Arte Museum’s exhibition, 2025 Mix’n’Mash: Ecos del pasado/ Echoes of the Past from now until March 2nd, 2025 to view pieces from a variety of amazing artists and get a chance to own a piece yourself! All proceeds from Mix ‘n’ Mash supporting the museum’s programming for children and adults.
Education
Spring 2025 Internships
Mexic-Arte Museum has officially selected all interns for the Spring 2025 cohort! We welcome these talented young professionals to our team.
Welcome:
Elena S Alvarez, Education & 5th St. Corridor Intern
Yves Alvarez-Santoy, Collections Intern
Ixel Aguilar, Development Intern
Antonio Arizmendi, Education Intern
Saira Carrillo, Digital Media Intern
Sophia Greenberg, Collections Intern
Gabriele Groberio, Graphic Designer Intern
Mia Johnson, Curatorial Intern
Olivia Madison Ceaser, Preparator Intern
Kaline Itzel Martinez, Special Events and Marketing Intern
A big thank you to everyone who applied; we received over 300 applications!
Here’s a glimpse of what our Spring 2025 interns will be working on at the Museum:
- Assisting with the production of annual Cinco de Mayo programming, events and educational activities
- Supporting the installation and curation of our upcoming Spring exhibition
- Conducting research on the 5th Street Corridor and its cultural impact
- And much more!
Thank You for Another Great Year of Totally Cool, Totally Art!
Thank you TCTA for Another Year of Incredible Art! Since 1996, Totally Cool Totally Art (TCTA) has been fostering creativity and confidence in teens across Austin. What sets TCTA apart is that its classes are completely free, providing local teens with access to artistic experiences that help them grow both creatively and personally. TCTA’s mission is to offer teens new opportunities for self-expression, build respect and trust, and enhance their skills in areas such as creative expression, communication, teamwork, and art appreciation.
We invite you to join us for this year’s Totally Cool Totally Art Exhibition, showcasing a diverse array of artwork from the program’s talented teens. This year’s exhibition features painting, drawing, culinary arts, sculpture, and metalsmithing. The TCTA Exhibition will be on view until Friday, February 28th, 2025.
Family Day with TCTA!
Thank you to everyone who attended TCTA Family Day this past Sunday! From 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, participants joined us in the galleries for an afternoon of creativity, crafting brown-paper puppets. A special thanks to TCTA Teaching Artists, Ben Siekierski and Sergio Gonzalez, for leading this fun and engaging workshop. We hope everyone had a great time and enjoyed making their puppets!
Mexic-Screen it! Spotlight on Art Educators
Mexic-Arte Museum’s Screen It! program connects students to the Austin art community, guiding them in the development of their art skills as a tool of expression and as valuable entrepreneurial skills. Screen It! serves children between ages 10 and 17, where we introduce them to the principles of screen printing and related careers in the arts.
Artist educators guide them through basic introduction of screen printing techniques –from the creation of stencils to a final poster design project. The program encourages participants to express themselves creatively in a safe learning environment while creating meaningful, personalized artwork they can wear proudly (such as T-shirts, reusable shopping bags, and/or posters).
Thank you to our artist educators for generously sharing their artistic practices and knowledge of design and printmaking with young people. Thank you to Austin Public Health, Community Youth Development, and Office of Violence Prevention for your support.
We are proud to work with Artist Educators: Alé Moreno, Andrea Montilva Pilonieta, Angel Ortega, Kaelyn Huang, Marietta Aburto de la Fuente, Meredith Agerton Diebold and Monica Bushong
Save the Date for 2025 Summer Camps with Mexic-Arte Museum!
Attention youth and parents! Mexic-Arte Museum will host summer camps for printmaking and fashion design in 2025! Are you looking for something interesting to do this summer? Do you want to learn a new skill? Are you interested in art, community and fashion? The Mexic-Arte Museum in partnership with Austin Central Library will offer the camp: Nuestro Estilo/Our Style. COME JOIN US!
Save the date: July 7-12, 2025 Nuestro Estilo Summer Camp
When: 10am-2pm daily July 7-11; Fashion Show July 12
Where: Austin Central Library 6th Floor, 710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
FREE TO PARTICIPATE!
In this camp, participants will learn about indigenous garment and textile-making traditions from Mexico while exploring identity. They will learn techniques of embroidery, natural dyes, sewing, printmaking and more to work in teams to create their own clothing. The camp will conclude with a fashion showcase. This program is free with registration.
Register here!
Save the date: August 4-8, 2025 Nuestro Mundo Summer Camp
When: 10am-2pm daily August 4-8
Where: Austin Public Library Southeast Branch
FREE TO PARTICIPATE! AGES 6-17
In Nuestro Mundo (Our World), youth will focus on building and strengthening our communities through art and education. Led by museum art educators, participants will identify a change they wish to see in the world. Each student will create an infographic poster using silkscreen and linoleum printmaking technology, accessible processes used by artists and activists to quickly reproduce images and information. The purpose of these posters is to communicate to the public the necessity of social change in an area of importance to the participants.
Register here!
Questions about summer programs? Contact Jasmine Chock: Art Education Program Coordinator 512-480-9373
Tours on Sunday – Free admission! Sponsored by H-E-B & Downtown Austin Alliance
Join us on Sundays for Free Admission and Public Tours! Thanks to the generous support of H-E-B and the Downtown Austin Alliance, we are pleased to offer free admission and guided tours every Sunday! Join us for English tours at 2:00 PM, and Spanish tours at 3:00 PM.
Our guided tours are a fantastic way for visitors of all ages to connect with traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latinx, and Chicanx art. These tours provide a deeper understanding of the vibrant art and culture on display.
Mexic-Arte Museum extends a heartfelt thank you to the following groups who recently visited the museum:
- The Center for Effective Philanthropy
- Latinx Spiritualities Class, St. Edward’s University
- Bedichek Middle School
- Miami University Alumni
- Live the Language Austin
Enjoy Cello Music Every Sunday at the Museum
Join us for a solo music concert by Huitzin Chavez every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. as you wonder through the galleries. Huitzin Chavez has been playing music at Mexic-Arte since he was a child. Huitzin Chavez and the Chavez family have participated with their music annually in several events at the Museum including the Dia de los Muertos/Viva la Vida Festival. Mr. Chavez and the Chavez family music group have also performed for opening receptions playing music ranging from the Pastorelas in December to classical music for exhibits such as the Greatness of Mexico, 16th to 18th Centuries. Mr. Chavez is talented and loves being around art and giving back to the community. This is why he suggested performing and playing his cello on Sundays. Mexic-Arte Museum is appreciative and grateful to Mr. Chavez for the gift of music for the community. Admission to the museum and the concerts are free on Sundays. Come join us!
Upcoming Event
ESPERANZA for ScriptWorks, a Benefit Reading
Join us for a benefit reading of the play ESPERANZA by local icon and actor Rupert Reyes in the beautiful interior space of the downtown Mexic-Arte Museum. There is FREE parking downtown after 6pm on Mondays.
Doors will open at 6:30pm, with the reading starting at 7pm. There will be wine and appetizers and cookies, as well as a silent auction to benefit ScriptWorks.
ESPERANZA tells the story of Mercedes Urive who arrives from Mexico like thousands of others, looking for a better life but without proper documentation.
Development
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Mexic-Arte Museum: Luncheon and La Fête de Cinco de Mayo
Mexic-Arte Museum invites you to support and join us in celebrating Cinco de Mayo through two incredible events: the Cinco de Mayo Luncheon and La Fête de Cinco de Mayo.
Cinco de Mayo Luncheon: May 5, 2025
Join us in sponsoring an unforgettable Luncheon at the Thompson Hotel, just blocks away from the museum. This special event will honor the historical significance of Cinco de Mayo, raise awareness of the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor and District, and support the Museum’s educational programs. The Luncheon will feature vibrant music, a silent auction showcasing unique artwork, and a presentation by Paco Gallastegui, producer of Cinco de Mayo: La Batalla (The Battle). Enjoy delicious cuisine prepared by a master chef while celebrating the rich history of this day. Your sponsorship will help ensure the continued success of this exciting cultural event. Please view our sponsorship package for benefits and more information below.
La Fête de Cinco de Mayo: May 3, 2025
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Place: Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St
Food Vendors: Tacos, Croissants, Pan Dulce, Macarons and more!
Activities: Cake walk, Loteria, Screen Printing, and more!
Performances: Mariachis, Ballet Folklorico, French Music, and more!
On Saturday, May 3, 2025, Mexic-Arte Museum, in partnership with the Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation, will present La Fête de Cinco de Mayo at Republic Square. This free, family-friendly event will highlight the vibrant intersection of Mexican and French cultures with art activities, live performances, educational games, diverse food vendors, and more. Join us for a fun-filled day celebrating the rich traditions and cultural connections that make Cinco de Mayo truly special.
Follow us on Instagram for updates on our Cinco de Mayo festivities!
Sponsored by: Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation, City of Austin Economic Development Department
Additional Partners: Brown Distributing, Austin International School, Austin Angers
Support Mexic-Arte Museum on Amplify Austin Day 2025
On March 5, 2025, join us for Amplify Austin Day—a 24-hour giving event that brings the community together to support local nonprofits, including Mexic-Arte Museum. We are thrilled to participate in this exciting day of giving, and we need your support!
Your donation to Mexic-Arte Museum will help us continue our mission of celebrating and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Mexican and Mexican American communities. With your generous contribution, we can expand our educational programs, offer meaningful exhibitions, and create engaging experiences for all ages.
Plus, when donating, include #LoveTitos in the public message box at checkout, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka will add an extra $25 to your gift!
Mark your calendars and make your donation count on Amplify Austin Day! Early giving is currently open so head to the link below to offer your support. Thank you for supporting the arts and our mission!
Store
Shop the Mexic-Arte Museum Store!
Mix ‘n’ Mash boards from previous years are still available for purchase on our online store!
ARTISAN MERCADO at Mexic-Arte Museum March 14-16
SXSW Visitors Get a Free SOUVENIR!
You are invited to the Artisan Mercado at Mexic-Arte Museum. Tourists and locals can obtain a free souvenir from the Artisan Mercado, a Latin American art and arts and craft market, during SXSW at Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Ave. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday – Sunday, March 14 – 16. Jewelry designer Claudio López will offer a free stone and copper wire pendant workshop from 12 to 2 p.m. on Friday through Saturday, March 14 -16. All workshop materials will be provided. Space is limited so interested persons should make their reservation below.
At the Artisan Mercado, you can discover vividly colored creations made by 14 Latinx artists and artisans that live in Austin as well as indigenous arts and crafts sourced from Latin America. Shoppers can find handcrafted textiles, dresses, guayaberas, jewelry, dolls, headbands, handbags, keychains, paintings and ceramics, unique souvenirs that echo the deep roots of Texas grounded in Mexican tradition.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Learn more about the Mexic-Arte Museum
Operations, Exhibition and Art Education Programs Support: Air Garage, Alpha Ready Mix Cement, Ampersand Art Supply, Applied Materials, Arriba Abajo, Austin Convention Center, Austin Creative Reuse, Austin Independent School District Creative Classrooms, Austin Lowriding, Austin Saltillo Sister Cities Association, Peter M. Baez, Michael Best, the Brown Foundation, Brown Distributing Company, Capital Printing, Chase Bank, Chez Zee, Juan & Martha Cortera, Christina Corona, Center for Mexican American Studies – UT, 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, Dulce Vida, Endeavor Real Estate Group, Fenix Post Tension, Inc., Fonda San Miguel, Ford Foundation, Frost Bank, Frutiva, Tom Gilliland, Juan J Gutierrez, Charlotte Hage Dalbey, Bob & Marisa O’Dell, Jennifer Hage Bond, Patricia Hage Hirsh, Robin Suzanne Hage, H-E-B, H-E-B Tournament of Champions, Hendler Flores Law, 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, Miguel Lara Productions, Graves Dougherty Hearon Moody, Gloria Moore, Timothy Morris, National Endowment for The Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, Nettie & M.K. Hage Family, Pastrana & Garcia Injury Law, Laurel Prats, Gloria Reyna, Red River Rising, Elizabeth Rogers, Paul Saldaña, Saldaña Public Relations, Serie Print Project, Siete, Silcone Labs, Siller Preffered Services, Sonrisas Dental Center, Spurs, State Farm, Susto Mezcal, Ingrid and James Taylor, Texas Commission of the Arts, Texas Gas Service, Texas Tribune, Thompson Austin, UFCU, Univision, Warfield Center, Lola Wright Foundation, Jerome Zamora, Jane & Manuel Zuniga, and Mark Zuniga, 3M – Austin