Miembros Newsletter: May 2025

A Message from the Director

Cuts in Federal Funding Impact Mexic-Arte Museum’s Internship Program

On April 8, 2025, Mexic-Arte Museum received the following notice from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, “Dear IMLS Grantee, This memorandum authorizes the termination of federal grants administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), effective April 8, 2025, in alignment with the agency’s updated priorities and the President’s Executive Order. 

This letter provides notice that the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is terminating your federal grant effective April 8, 2025, in accordance with the termination clause in your Award Agreement. Upon further review, IMLS has determined that your grant is unfortunately no longer consistent with the agency’s priorities and no longer serves the interest of the United States and the IMLS Program.  IMLS is repurposing its funding allocations in a new direction in furtherance of the President’s agenda…… We wish you well.”

This IMLS grant supported the Latino Museum Internship Expansion Project.  This is devastating news for Mexic-Arte Museum that will have a major negative impact on the program, the community and the Museum.  The grant is a three-year grant for FY 2023 – 2026. The grant total is $450,807 of which only – $158,981 has been paid for three cohorts of interns in the spring, summer and fall of 2024 and coordination. The impact of the grant termination means that the Museum will not receive $291,826.00 that was projected for six more semesters, including the current Spring 2025 semester which is already underway. Mexic-Arte Museum is requesting an IMLS review of the termination decision as allowed by the contract terms.

This IMLS grant has made a major impact on Mexic-Arte Museum and Central Texas. This support has made possible the improvement and formalization of relationships and partnerships with Central Texas universities and colleges, as well as contributing to the overall community and civic well-being. The program makes compensation possible for interns from colleges and universities as well as support Museum staff for mentoring program participants. In collaboration with local universities and colleges, students interested in museum professions, art, history and culture gain valuable experience to advance their careers and job opportunities. The immediate beneficiaries of this program are the interns who receive mentoring and on-the-job training. In the long run, the ramifications and benefits reach much larger audiences. Many of the past interns are now in leadership positions, touching the lives of hundreds at the state and national level. This workforce development program would not be possible without support from the public and private support. 

We are actively applying to foundations to request support for this program. It is extremely frustrating to have this critical funding cut, seemingly arbitrarily, without explanation or cause.  We are fortunate to have support in the community and are grateful to the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and community members who are working hard to figure out what comes next for the Internship Program and the Museum. But today, we urgently need your help. Please consider donating to Mexic-Arte Museum if you have not already. Our work and your support has never been more critical. Thank you!

On the bright side, you are invited to the Cinco de Mayo events!

This year Mexic-Arte Museum is organizing multiple events throughout the weekend for the community to enjoy and learn about the history of Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo is the date of May 5, 1862, which commemorates a Mexican victory at Puebla over the invading French troops. Starting on Friday, May 2, the Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the 5th St. Mexican American Heritage Corridor Signage will take place at Mexic-Arte Museum. Then on May 3, join us at La Fête de Cinco de Mayo for a vibrant family event and celebration of Mexican and French cultures at Republic Square Park! The 2025 Cinco de Mayo Luncheon will be on Monday, May 5 at the Thompson Hotel. Please continue reading for more information on the internship program and these events. 

Celebrate Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for 5th
Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor

The City of Austin, in partnership with the Mexic-Arte Museum, Austin Saltillo Sister Cities Association and the Downtown Austin Alliance, will host a celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 8:45 am to commemorate the designation and ongoing development of the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor. The event will take place at Mexic-Arte Museum—one of the corridor’s historic and cultural anchors. Attendees are invited to enjoy complimentary tacos, pan dulce and coffee inside the museum beginning at 8:00 am. Special guests confirmed to attend include Mayor Kirk Watson, City Council Members José Velásquez, Zo Qadri and Ryan Alter, the Consul General of México in Austin Humberto Hernández Haddad and members of the official delegation from Saltillo, Mexico—Austin’s oldest sister city. Members of the 5th Street Heritage Corridor Steering Committee and community leaders will also be present. “This is an exciting day,” said Council Member José Velásquez during a recent City Council meeting. “We are moving forward with Phase 2 of the Mexican American Heritage Corridor—a much-needed path of unity connecting west to east and east to west.” The ceremony marks a major milestone in shaping the corridor’s future, representing Austin’s Mexican American families, cultural institutions and local businesses along the historic 5th Street corridor from Republic Square to Plaza Saltillo. A proclamation will also be issued by Mayor Watson, officially recognizing the corridor and celebrating its legacy. The 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor and District’s mission 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.”

Executive Director

Sylvia Orozco

Exhibitions

Beyond the Shape: El Arte de Chente Rodriguez Opening Reception

By Luisa Fernanda Perez, Curator of Exhibitions & Director of Programs

On behalf of the Mexic-Arte Museum, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you who attended the opening reception of Beyond the Shape: El Arte de Chente Rodriguez last Friday. Your presence made the evening truly special and contributed to the vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the rich legacy of Vicente “Chente” Rodriguez.

The reception was a memorable occasion, featuring live music from the Conjunto Aztlan, refreshments, words by Chente, Martha Cotera, Mexic-Arte’s Executive Director Sylvia Orozco and Curator Luisa Fernanda Perez which provided deeper insights into Chente’s artistic journey. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow art enthusiasts and share in the appreciation of Chente’s contributions to the Chicano Movement and the Austin community. In addition, Council Member Zo Qadri read a proclamation which decrees April 11 as “Chente’s Day.” 

This retrospective exhibition offers a unique glimpse into Chente’s artistic journey, from his early geometric sketches to his impactful contributions to the Chicano Movement and the Austin community. We are thrilled to share his work with you and to honor his enduring influence on contemporary art.

If you haven’t had the chance to explore the exhibition yet, we invite you to visit us at your convenience. Beyond the Shape will be on display through August 3, 2025, at the Mexic-Arte Museum.

Thank you once again for your support and for being part of this meaningful celebration of art and culture.

Photos of the Opening

Vicente “Chente” Rodriguez Day City of Austin Proclamation

Be it known that
Whereas, Vicente “Chente” Rodriguez (b. 1945, Villa Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, México) is an Austin artist whose life and art have been dedicated to both creative expression and contributions to the community; and Whereas, Vicente “Chente” Rodriguez studied studio art at The University of Texas in Austin from 1969 to 1972 and; and Whereas, founded Rodriguez Graphic Design in 1984 where he dedicated himself to serving Austin’s diverse communities through his screen-printing work; and Whereas, On April 11, 2025, the Mexic-Arte Museum is proud to present the retrospective exhibition, Beyond the Shape: El Arte de Chente Rodriguez; and Whereas, the City of Austin joins Mexic-Arte Museum in celebrating and recognizing Master Artist, Vicente “Chente” Rodriguez’s legacy that will continue to resonate with past, present, and future generations. Now, Therefore, I, Kirk Watson, Mayor of the City of Austin, Texas, do hereby proclaim April 11, 2025 as Vicente “Chente” Rodriguez Day.

Martha P. Cotera, Opening Remarks Beyond the Shape: El Arte de Chente Rodriguez

“Chente Rodriguez is loved not just because we love his art, but also because he is still CHEAP, in the biblical sense, “GRASSROOTS AFFORDABLE,” and works on law-away plans for starving organizations and events. El es artista de la gente, del pueblo; for over 50 years, if all you can muster is five cents, he’ll design you a T-shirt and/or a poster that will help you rake in funds for your organization and event. En este sentido su arte ha surgido del pueblo (el) y para el pueblo (nosotros). El es calladíto y humilde, auxilio de los calladítos y humildes (he is quiet and humble, kind of local “USAID” for humble movements), through his art, he has nurtured organizations operating at the nickle level like my struggling Austin Hispanic Directory, from the 1970s and 1980s, for whom he designed professional covers that precisely reflected our expert data production. Our family met Chente in 1973 when Juan and I returned from our civil rights work in Crystal City, and I joined Juarez Lincoln University managing the migrant information clearinghouse. Except for Chente, staff all screamed when I announced we were behind schedule and needed to publish directories for 28 migrant labor regions in one year. Chente, as usual, just got down to work and churned out beautiful graphics and covers. I was eternally grateful for his support then, and since, when many of us in the community have turned to him time and time again in desperate need of t-shirts, posters, buttons for MOVEMENT events. Just two years ago when Raza Unida Party was celebrating our 50th Anniversary, with little funding, Linda del Toro and I appealed to him. Chente, artista del pueblo, “santo de lo imposible”, not only donated artwork for our fundraising auction, but also produced amazing merch that rocked the event and made us solvent. CHENTE, tonight, at long last, we’re giving back the LOVE!

Beyond the Shape: El Arte de Chente Rodriguez

This retrospective invites the viewer into the intricate world of Vicente “Chente” Rodriguez, a prolific artist born in Villa Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, Mexico (b. 1945). At the age of seven, Rodriguez emigrated to the United States to live with his aunt and uncle in San Antonio, Texas, eventually settling in Austin, Texas, where he continues to live and work. 

Rodriguez studied painting at San Antonio College and then transferred to The University of Texas at Austin, where he studied from 1969 to 1972. While he began creating geometric sketches as early as the third grade, it was during his time at UT Austin that he developed a distinctive and dynamic geometric painting style, which he continues to explore to this day. This body of work offers a glimpse into the artist’s exploration of aesthetic expressions through color, shape and form. Rodriguez’s geometric abstract art has been quietly hibernating for many decades with almost no public exposure, Beyond the Shape: El Arte de Chente Rodriguez brings these works to light, placing them within the larger context of contemporary art and broadening the canon of Chicano/a/x art aesthetics. 

During his time at UT Austin, Rodriguez became involved with the Chicano Movement, creating posters and logos for organizations, protests and events related to the movement, using his artwork to support and amplify the cultural and political voices of his community. After graduating, Rodriguez continued to build his artistic career illustrating album covers for Tejano groups such as Little Joe y La Familia and Ruben Ramos y La Revolucion, as well as designing and illustrating for various organizations and institutions, including the Juarez-Lincoln University and Bob Bullock Museum.

While he has never ceased to create geometric art, Rodriguez has also built a career in commercial screen printing. For more than 30 years, he has helped shape the city’s cultural fabric, dedicating himself to serving Austin’s diverse communities through his screen printing work, producing thousands of T-shirts for local families, churches, shops, politicians, artists and many businesses.

Beyond the Shape not only reintroduces us to Rodriguez’s artistic vision but also underscores the richness and complexity of Chicano/a/x contributions to the ongoing dialogue of modern and contemporary art. Through his drawings, prints, paintings and ephemera, this exhibition highlights Chente Rodriguez’s contributions as well as his enduring impact on the cultural landscape of Austin and the broader Chicano/a/x art Movement. The Mexic-Arte Museum invites you to explore the depth of Rodriguez’s artistic legacy, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the work of a pioneering artist whose legacy will continue to resonate with past, present and future generations.

Mero Muro – Fabian Rey pays tribute to “Chente” Rodriguez 

Fabian Rey painting Dale Shine Mural, Photo Credit: Julio Martinez

Completed Dale Shine Mural, Photo Credit: Gabi Diaz De Leon

The Mexic-Arte Museum’s El Mero Muro is a mural program located on the exterior wall of the building on 5th St. and Congress Avenue. Conveying powerful messages of relevant issues, the outdoor murals of the Museum are in a unique and highly visible area of downtown Austin. The Museum’s most recent collaboration has been with Puerto Rican artist Fabian Rey, who created Dale Shine, inspired by the imagery of “Chente” Rodriguez’s Dale Shine design, created during the late 70’s. The phrase “Dale Shine” itself roughly translates to “give it shine” or “shine it up,” which resonates both literally (shoeshining) and metaphorically (uplifting or empowering). By channeling imagery from that era, Rey pays tribute to working-class dignity and Latinx heritage, while also addressing larger social themes such as labor, identity and pride.

About Fabian: 

Fabian Rey was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He is an artist and muralist based in Austin, Texas. His work has been featured in murals in Austin and across the world, including most recently at Angers, France for the 2024 Summer Olympics. As an educator, Fabian has work for middle schools all across the world developing art programs and encouraging the art of creative thinking. Recently, he worked with Austin Achieve Public School in Pflugerville creating and painting a mural with the help of the 8th grade students art class. He has painted across the globe in countries like Puerto Rico, France, Italy and United States. In 2018, he teamed up with the crew of Something Cool Studios, an art collective in the heart of Austin’s East Side, where he makes art and creates workshops and community driven art shows during the year.

Artist statement: 

“I have been actively involved in creating murals for the past 15 years, and I have had the opportunity to work on various projects across the United States and Europe. My work primarily focuses on capturing the essence of a community, telling its stories and celebrating its unique cultural heritage. I believe that murals have the power to transform public spaces, engage communities and create a sense of pride and ownership. I understand the importance of collaboration and communication in creating successful murals. I enjoy working closely with community members, understanding their visions and incorporating their input into my artwork. This approach ensures that each mural is a true reflection of the community it represents.”

May Changarrito, Bieke Campos

April Changarrito Artist, Rachel Salcido

About the Artist

Rachel Salcido was born in El Paso, Texas, in 2002. Now, Salcido lives in Austin, Texas, and is a disabled Mexican American painter and printmaker. They are a senior undergraduate at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a double major with a BFA in Studio Art and BA in Art History, along with a Bridging Disciplines Program certificate in Museum Studies. Salcido’s work explores the in-between spaces created by their intersectional identities in relation to navigating femininity and familiarity through the context of gender expression, disability and tradition.

Artist Statement

“As a queer, disabled Mexican American, my work is rooted in the exploration of intersectional identity through the context of gender expression, disability and tradition. I enjoy working with mark-making as a way to open conversations about labor, which parallels and embodies the labor associated with navigating physically and socially inaccessible spaces.

The bodily physicality of fruit—especially pomegranates and papayas—often reappears in my work, embodying gender, sexuality and cultural connection. Papayas, for example, fill the stands of fruit markets in Mexico; their unique imagery mirrors the matriarchal undercurrents of the culture. I consider still life fruit paintings to operate as micro and macro landscapes—liminal spaces that accompany the bodies of water in my work, like the Rio Grande, whose waters bear the weight of the lost histories of the border. I am drawn to these transitional spaces for their nostalgic yet eerie nature. Having grown up in El Paso, I came to see its cultural liminality as central to understanding intersectionality and in-betweenness. It is not quite like living in Mexico, not quite like the rest of Texas, and certainly not like the rest of the US. Both my work and I are the product of this liminality, as well as the visual and figurative tension it elicits.

My recent practice uses the visual language of the US-Mexico border, drawing on patterns and rhythms inherent to the landscape: the light filtering through fences, the towering barriers of the international bridge, the rhythmic pillars of highways and the silhouette of oil refineries echoing the mountains encircling the city. These elements form a certain vernacular, pairing the man-made with the natural. The sand in my gesso grounds my working surface in the literal earth, reinforcing the play between liminality and architectural imagery, while burlap surfaces reflect cultural conversations of physical labor.

At its core, my work seeks to cast my politicized daily environment into a space of otherworldliness and near-sacredness. My recent work recontextualizes the mundane—such as bridges, water, fences, borders and the corporeality of fruit—as worthy of veneration and reverence. I work to transfigure this imagery into symbols of the divine as a way to find transcendence in the familiar. I look to Hilma af Klint’s abstract works for connections to both the primordial, celestial and spiritual, along with her navigation of capturing the scale invariances of such. Contemporary artist, Hayley Barker, has influenced my work as I look to her treatment of surface and the thinness of her paint. I am drawn to the way Barker navigates depicting ‘the macrocosm in the micro’, as she puts it, to cast everyday imagery as sublime through the use of color and pattern.”

Rachel showcased their artwork on the Changarrito cart right outside the Museum’s entrance on April 19 and the weekend of April 26 & 27. In addition, Luisa Fernanda Perez, Mexic-Arte Museum’s Curator of Exhibitions and Director Of Programs, and Mia Johnson, Spring 2025 Curatorial Intern, facilitated a conversation with the artist on the Museum’s Instagram Live on Thursday April 24 at 5 pm. Check it out on the Museum’s Instagram live.

Collections

Mexic-Arte Museum highlights works from Permanent Collection

In conjunction with the current exhibition, Beyond the Shape: El Arte de Chente Rodriguez, the Mexic-Arte Museum would like to highlight works from the exhibition. This month Mexic-Arte is recognizing Rodriguez’s illustrations in the Chicano journal, Tejidos.

Vicente “Chente” Rodriguez (b. 1945 Mexico) is Latinx/Chicano artist that has dedicated his art and life to art and helping the community with his art practice. He studied painting at The University of Texas in Austin 1969 – 1972 and he was involved with the Chicano Art Movement in Austin during this time producing silk screen posters. Throughout his lifetime, he developed and continued to produce hundreds of vibrant geometric style artworks. He experimented with shape and explored a range of color palettes closely related to abstract expressionism. Rodriguez’s paintings are an example of how Chicano artists have used their art to express aesthetic values while also supporting social causes. Rodriguez’s work presents the viewer with how Chicano and Chicana artists embraced the possibilities of aesthetic innovation, often through experiments with color and paint application.

Tejidos was a Chicano literary and art journal that ran through the 1970s-80s in Austin, Texas. Their mission statement was, “Tejidos is a journal for the expression of Chicano thought and creativity. We welcome all serious literary works, in any style of format—traditional, modern or barrio. We encourage serious literary criticism on any Chicano writer or poet, and on artists appearing in this journal.” For this particular issue, Verano 1977: Volume IV, No.2, Tejidos recognized the Texas Farmworkers March to Washington for Human Rights in1977. Rodriguez contributed six pen and ink illustrations of the Mayans in various scenes, such as conducting a religious ceremony and hunting boar. These illustrations reflect on the indigenous origins of Mexico.

One can see the publications and so many more wonderful pieces from our Permanent Collection in our next exhibition, Beyond the Shape: El Arte de Chente Rodriguez, from now until August 3rd, 2025!

Education

Spring 2025 Intern Spotlights

The Latino Museum Internship Expansion Project was initially supported by the Institute of Museum and Libraries Services over three years. It provides hands-on training opportunities for undergraduate students in Central Texas. 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. In collaboration with local universities and colleges, students interested in museum professions, art, history and culture gain valuable experience to advance their careers and job opportunities. The immediate beneficiaries of this program are the interns that receive mentoring and on-the-job training. In the long run, the ramifications and benefits reach much larger audiences. Many of the past interns are now in leadership positions, touching the lives of hundreds at the state and national level.

Meet Kaline Martinez, Special Events and Marketing Intern, The University of Texas at Austin

My name is Kaline Itzel Martinez. I am currently a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in Marketing with a minor in Professional Sales and Business Development! Throughout my college experience, I have always been heavily involved in my Hispanic culture through organizations like HBSA (Hispanic Business Student Association) and my sorority, Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. I applied to the Mexic-Arte Museum Internship because I wanted to continue celebrating and uplifting my culture in a more creative and professional way. This opportunity allows me to connect deeper with my roots while gaining valuable experience in a such a cultural institution like Mexic-Arte Museum, making a real impact in the Hispanic/Latino community. My favorite project so far has been doing the Instagram takeover for the exhibition and helping assist my mentor, Gabi, with all the behind-the-scenes work. Even if it’s small tasks, I’ve really enjoyed being part of the process and seeing how much effort goes into making everything run smoothly. It’s been fun, creative and a great way to learn more about the museum’s event planning, marketing and outreach operations. This internship is giving me valuable hands-on experience, especially in marketing and event planning—areas I’ve worked in on a smaller scale before. Being part of a professional setting like this is helping me build my skills and giving me insight into what I might want to pursue in the future, especially within the fine arts and entertainment industry. Outside of my internship, I tend to stay pretty busy! I have a part-time job, I help people do their taxes, I love traveling and I also run the social media platforms for my sorority. On top of that, I’m in the early stages of starting a professional services business focused on resume writing, LinkedIn workshops and job search strategies—if you need help, hit me up!

Overall, I just want to say thank you to the Mexic-Arte Museum and the entire staff, especially my mentor, Gabi—who have been absolutely amazing. Gabi’s support has created such a welcoming space for me to grow both professionally and personally. I’ve learned so much during this experience, and I’m truly grateful to have been part of it. 🙂

Meet Ixel Aguilar, Development Intern, St. Edward’s University

Hello, my name is Ixel Aguilar. I am currently a third year at St. Edward’s University, majoring in Political Science with a Pre-Law concentration in American History. I applied to this internship because I wanted to expand my skill set. I wanted to try and step out of something that was related to my major, in order to broaden my horizons. I have also always loved the Mexic-Arte Museum, so it’s crazy that I now am working in such a culturally rich place. I applied also because I wanted to be in a space where I knew my culture would be displayed. One of my most memorable experiences thus far has been the opportunity to explore SXSW with my internship coordinator. Being in the heart of Austin, especially during such a vibrant event, was truly special. One of the highlights was visiting a screen printing exhibition, where I had the pleasure of meeting an artist with whom I felt a strong connection. What made the experience even more meaningful was that the artist had ties to the Mexic-Arte Museum, which made our conversation all the more personal and enriching. This internship is benefiting my career by having me work with a diverse group of people, exploring projects that are more data based, as well as reaching out to businesses, which will help me better my networking skills. I think that working at the museum is also helping me by simply having such a wonderful and supportive staff throughout each step of the way.

Meet Yves Alvarez-Santoy, Collections Intern, The University of Texas at Austin

My name is Yves Alvarez-Santoy, I attend UT Austin majoring in Anthropology with a focus in Mesoamerican Archaeology and I am pursuing a minor in Art History with interest in art of the ancient America, as well as a certificate in Museum Studies. I wanted to apply for several reasons. One of them being that I am very familiar with the museum itself and have been to some events in the past. I believe this is an important place for people in my community as a Mexican American in Austin. I have also had a close friend intern here and this inspired me to also try out and apply for the collections position as I have had experience in collections before but with ancient objects. I have also wanted to gain more experience in museums as most of my research has been anthropological. My favorite activity so far has been learning the nitty gritty details behind accessioning various permanent pieces in the Mexic-Arte collection with the help of the registrar, Amy Anderson. I have really got to use PastPerfect most days during my internship activities which I had brief training in. This expanded my knowledge in a contemporary art work aspect. This internship benefits my career in many ways; as I mentioned, I have had brief experience in museum collections world with PastPerfect, the museum database software for archiving art pieces, but I had never used it for accessioning contemporary art pieces. This program allowed me to experience both methods and getting a behind-the-scenes peek into the processes in museums with contemporary art works and exhibitions. I have also learned more of what goes on behind exhibition planning by working briefly and speaking with Luisa Fernanda Perez, the curator here at Mexic-Arte. I have also spoken with many others like Fabiana Munoz, a part of the education coordinator team, and the preparator, Oscar Guerra-Briseno, which gives me a well rounded insight into other aspects of the museum that may interest me as well. I am excited for my archaeological field research this summer in Guatemala’s South Coast at the Maya site Río Seco, investigating the interaction between Teotihuacan in central Mexico and Guatemala’s Pacific Coast alongside Dr. Mallory Matsumoto, an assistant professor at UT Austin.

Meet Elena Alvarez, Education Intern, The University of Texas at Austin

My name is Elena Alvarez, and I attend The University of Texas at Austin. I’m a second-year student studying Bilingual Education and History, and I expect to graduate early in May 2026. I applied to the Mexic-Arte Museum Latino Museum Internship Expansion Project because I’m passionate about the intersectionality between history and education, specifically in the Latinx community. This internship is an incredible opportunity to engage with projects that promote representation and cultural awareness by amplifying Latino voices. My favorite project has been helping curate the recent Chente exhibit. It has been exciting to see how art, history and education come together to share new knowledge with the community. This internship is strengthening my knowledge and ability to share cultural stories in accessible ways, which will be valuable as a future bilingual educator. It has also helped me refine skills in research, which impacts my work in advocacy.

Meet Antonio Arizmendi, Education Intern, The University of Texas at Austin

My name is Antonio Arizmendi, and I am a second-year Art History major at The University of Texas at Austin. I applied to be an intern at Mexic-Arte Museum in order to gain more experience in the museum world, grow my understanding of nonprofit foundations and learn from Mexic-Arte’s brilliant educational programs. Also, the museum’s dedication to preserving Mexican American art and culture deeply resonated with me, and I wanted to contribute to my community in a meaningful Way. My favorite project so far has been creating the gallery guide for the Beyond the Shape exhibition with the curatorial and education departments. It was great to design spreads with Chente’s vibrant colors in mind, and I loved coming up with fun activities for younger audiences. As someone looking towards a career in museum education, my time with the Mexic-Arte education department has allowed me to visualize working in the field. From grants to lesson plans to teaching artist trainings, I have been exposed to many facets of a career in museum education. Also, my work on the gallery guide, researching and compiling content, has allowed me to explore more research or curatorial-oriented fields as well, especially for Chicano art. I’m looking forward to creating even more educational resources and helping with incoming tours for Chente’s exhibition. Also, I’m super excited for our upcoming la Fête de Cinco de Mayo celebration and designing activities for that!

Meet Olivia Madison Ceasar, Preparator Intern, The University of Texas at Austin

My name is Olivia Madison Ceaser and I am attending The University of Texas for a BA in Studio Art and a Minor in Digital Arts and Media. I applied to participate in a hands-on experience within nonprofit organizations and gallery spaces that uplift cultural legacy. I hoped to meet new people who work in my field to gain a better understanding of what roles best suit me. Not only did I find a welcoming community working at the Mexic-Arte Museum, but a better understanding of all the roles, logistics and preparations that go into producing exhibitions and running a nonprofit. My favorite activity so far has been browsing the Museum’s ceramics collection. This internship has benefited my career as an independent artist who is currently self-producing a solo exhibition as a thesis project. This internship has shown me the many ways of approaching an art exhibition and the attention to detail that brings everything together. Liminal Threads art exhibition on April 25th and 26th at the Electric Church, 7 – 11 pm, 417 Robert T Martinez.

Non-Profit Day for Interns

On April 21, 2025, the Mexic-Arte Museum hosted its annual Nonprofit Day for interns, providing an enriching experience for young professionals interested in arts administration, community engagement and cultural preservation. The event featured presentations from three distinguished leaders in Austin’s cultural and educational sectors such as: 

Paul Saldaña – President of the Mexic-Arte Museum Board – With nearly three decades of experience in public policy, public relations and multicultural communications, Saldaña has been instrumental in shaping the museum’s strategic direction. His leadership extends beyond the museum; he is also the Principal and President of Saldaña Public Relations and has held significant roles such as Chief of Staff for Austin’s only Latino Mayor, Gus Garcia. In recognition of his contributions, Saldaña received the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. 

Sylvia Orozco – Co-Founder and Executive Director – Orozco cofounded the Mexic-Arte Museum in 1984 and has served as its Executive Director since then. Under her leadership, the museum has become a cornerstone of Mexican and Mexican American art in Texas. Orozco has been pivotal in acquiring significant collections, such as the Serie Print Project Archive and the Juan Sandoval Jr. Collection. 

Andrew Gonzales – AISD School Board Trustee, District 6 – Andrew Gonzales, a third-generation educator and Austin Independent School District (AISD) Trustee for District 6, brings a wealth of experience in education and community service. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with degrees in government, history, international relations and Latin American studies, Gonzales has worked as a history teacher and AVID program tutor. He is committed to improving educational outcomes for all students, particularly those who are multilingual, economically disadvantaged, or in special education. Gonzales also serves as a consultant for the 5th Street Corridor Project.

The Nonprofit Day for interns at Mexic-Arte Museum provided interns with invaluable insights into the intersection of arts, education and community development. Through the experiences and leadership of Saldaña, Orozco and Gonzales, interns gained a deeper understanding of how cultural institutions can serve as catalysts for positive change in the community.

Family Day with Bibi Flores

When: Sunday, May 18, 2025, 1 pm – 4 pm

Where: Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Admission: FREE, Thanks to H-E-B!

What: Experience the exciting artwork of Vicente “Chente” Rodriguez with artist Bibi Flores, as you create your own multi-media abstract artworks. This special, free-of-charge event is perfect for youth and families of all ages! All art supplies will be provided. Family Day and admission is free every Sunday, thanks to H-E-B.

Please reach out to the Mexic-Arte Museum Education team for any questions or concerns! Fabiana Muñoz- Education Associate: , Jasmine Chock- Art Education Program Coordinator: and Richard Greene- Education & Outreach Coordinator:

Save the Date: July 7 – 12, 2025 Nuestro Estilo Summer Camp 

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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!

When: 10 am – 2 pm daily July 7th – 11th; Fashion Show on July 12th
Where: Austin Central Library 6th Floor, 710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
Ages: 11+

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.

Save the Date: August 4th – 8th, 2025 Nuestro Mundo Summer Camp

When: 10 am – 2 pm daily August 4th – 8th
Where: Austin Public Library Southeast Branch
Ages: 6 – 17

FREE TO PARTICIPATE!

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.

Questions about summer programs? Contact Jasmine Chock: Art Education Program Coordinator 512-480-9373

Upcoming Events

La Fête de Cinco de Mayo: May 3, 2025

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.

Sponsored by: Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation, City of Austin Economic Development Department
Additional Partners: Brown Distributing, Alliance Française d’ Austin, Austin International School, Austin Anger Sister Cities Association

April Events

Nuestra Voz: An Afternoon of Latinx Chicana/o Poetry Readings 

Thank you to everyone who attended Nuestra Voz: An Afternoon of Latinx & Chicana/o Poetry Readings, presented in collaboration with the Library of America. This event was a moving celebration of both established and emerging regional poets whose work speaks to themes of identity, history, resilience, and community. We extend our deepest gratitude to the powerful lineup of poets and performers who made this event so meaningful:

• Dr. Emilio Zamora
• David Cavazos and Raquel Elizondo
• Diana Lizette Rodriguez
• Juan Tejeda and Dr. Armando Tejeda
• Jose Flores Peregrino
• Bianca Alyssa Perez
• Jorge Antonio Renaud, reading work by Raul R. Salinas
• Paloma Michel Rivera
• Irma Orozco, reading work by Aurora E. Orozco
• Victor Guerra

We also want to thank our event sponsor, Latino Poetry: Places We Call Home, a major public humanities initiative directed by the Library of America and generously supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities and Emerson Collective.

The Latino Poetry: Places We Call Home initiative celebrates nearly five centuries of Latino poetry in the United States, showcasing a tradition defined by linguistic diversity, cultural richness, and a deep sense of place. The newly released anthology, edited by Rigoberto González, features an array of voices that reflect the complexity and vibrancy of Latino experiences across generations.

Get your copy of Latino Poetry: Places We Call Home today at the Mexic-Arte Museum Store or at Resistencia Bookstore!

Educational Activations – April 8, 2025

Mexic-Arte Museum was excited to partner with Texas Association of Museums at the Bob Bullock Museum to offer educational activities highlighting Austin’s local institutions. Teaching Artists, Alé Moreno and Kaelyn Huang, provided hands-on engagement experiences, demonstrating our educational programs.

Austin Independent School District Mentors of the Year 2024 – 2025

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month. Every year, each Austin ISD campus picks one or two Volunteers and Mentors who have given exceptional support to support their schools. Teaching Artist, Monica Bushong, and Art Education Program Coordinator, Jasmine Chock, were recognized as Mentors of the Year for Mendez Middle School for facilitating the Creating Art, Learning Mindfulness (CALM) after school program and for being a part of the Community Love Hub at Mendez. Congratulations! Thank you to Austin ISD and Austin Public Health for supporting our programs.

Development

Welcome Mindy Radike, Development Coordinator

My name is Mindy Radike, and I’m newly stepping into the Development Coordinator position. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, Rhetoric and Writing, and a minor in French at the University of Texas at Austin, then I went on to earn my Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Composition from Texas State University. I’m passionate about language and culture, and my graduate research fused these interests together with a focus on music, culminating in my thesis, “Music as a Cultural Rhetoric in Gay Dance Clubs of Austin, Texas”; paper for the Southwest Council of Latin American Studies Conference in Panamá, “Considerations for Music as a Universal Language in LGBT+ Spaces”; and paper for the Popular Culture Association of France Symposium, “Music from the Margins: Redcar’s Queer and Feminist Writing Praxis.” While at Texas State University, I taught First-Year Writing I & II and coordinated programming for the University Writing Center. I’m so excited to contribute my writing skills to Mexic-Arte Museum’s vision for growth, while getting to connect with Texas’ vibrant artistic scene. Outside of the museum, you can find me playing semiprofessional ultimate frisbee with the Austin Torch or dancing with my friends at the best spots in town. 

Join us for the 2025 Cinco de Mayo Luncheon

We are excited for the 2025 Cinco de Mayo Luncheon! This annual event, taking place on Monday, May 5, 2025, will celebrate the vibrant history of Cinco de Mayo and raise awareness for the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor and District. We will be gathering at the Thompson Hotel for a festive luncheon featuring music, delicious cuisine, a silent auction of unique artwork with a special presentation by Paco Gallastegui, producer of Cinco de Mayo: La Batalla.

About Francisco Gallastegui

Francisco Gallastegui has 40 years of experience in the field of advertising, with more than 1000 commercials produced, as well as extensive experience in areas of production, creativity and public relations. In 2012, Francisco made the most expensive cinematic production in the history of national cinema with “Cinco de Mayo¨-La Batalla (The battle), with a great team. Presented in: Chicago, New York, Miami, Cannes, Austin, Thailand, Canada, Spain, England, Belgium, Germany, Colombia, Morocco, Nigeria, Iran and France.   

In 2010, he entered the big screen with the project “Rock Mari”. This film won the “Espectadores del Futuro” (Spectators of the Future) award for best children’s film at the Guadalajara International Film Festival and first place at the Colombian children’s festival.  He has 40 years of experience in the field of advertising, with more than 1000 commercials produced, as well as extensive experience in areas of production, creativity and public relations.

Sponsored by: Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation, City of Austin Economic Development Department, Applied Materials, Mark Zuniga, IBC Bank, Saldaña Public Relations, Gutierrez Associates, Alliance Française d’ Austin, City of Austin Capital Services, H-E-B, Rocheli Patisserie, Thompson Austin, Oncor Global

Join Us on Sundays!

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 pm and Spanish tours at 3 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 – 2 pm, as you wander 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!

Store

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Limited Edition Chente Rodriguez T-shirts now available in-store!

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