COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS: If you plan to visit our gallery, you must wear a mask and follow social distancing recommendations. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Save the Date

Our first ever virtual silent auction will take place on Saturday, February 13, 2021. More details to follow.
If you'd like to participate by decorating a heart or donating a piece or art for the silent auction, complete and email the submission form. Please email lapenatoma@gmail.com with any questions.

Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

A COLLECTIVE EXHIBITION & ALTARES
Artists: Alondra Acosta, Carmen Alvarez, JC Amorrortu, Ana Borne, Stuart Cameron, Cecilia Colomé, Juan Díaz, Naxieli Gomez, Yleana Martinez, María Montoya, Felicia Morin, Leticia Mosqueda, Kevin Muñoz, Fernando Muñoz, Angela Navarro, Verónica Ortegón, Adriana Perez, Sandra Pomeleo-Fowler, Jonathan Rebolloso, Cecilia Sanchez Duarte, Jerry Silguero, ​Jeff Stayton, Rama Tirú.  

In-person and online exhibition 
October 30-November 30, 2020

My Spirit Animal: Sanchez and Metz Elementary Students Exhibition

Take our 360 Virtual Tour

Take a virtual tour of our exhibition! This 360º gallery capture was created by local media company MyVisualTools with an advanced nine-lens camera. Each exhibit piece can be seen in full detail when navigating the gallery.
https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=k8CPpKtPDk6

Virtual Collective Exhibition

In addition to a global pandemic upending our lives, there has also been a nationwide awakening following the killing of George Floyd; the latest in a history of injustice against members of Black and Latinx communities. People have started protesting police brutality, demanding restorations and fighting for equality and an end to systemic racism in the United States.  This collective exhibit offers a space to show how artists keep creating in these uncertain times, how current events have affected their practice and what messages and dreams they have for the future.

This exhibition is divided into 3 parts:
Online exhibition at La Peña’s website.
In-person exhibition at La Peña Gallery on 227 Congress Avenue.
Series of video interviews that will be published for the duration of the exhibit. 

Artists: Alondra Acosta, JC Amorrortu, Ana Borne, Constanza Cameron, The Death Head, Naxieli Gomez, Ambray Gonzales, Suzy Gonzalez, Susan Holland, Carlos Lowry, Felicia Morin, Andrew Morris, Fernando Muñoz, Maia Muñoz, Angela Navarro, Kelly Daniela Norris, Verónica Ortegón, Sandra Pomeleo-Fowler, Deshawn Washington, Liliana Wilson, Wolf Garden and La Printeria.
Huge Thanks to Sandra Pomeleo-Fowler for conducting the artist's interviews, Check the interviews in the link below:

Sanchez and Metz Elementary Schools
My Spirit Animal
Gallery and Virtual Exhibition

Visit our facebook page or the Past Exhibitions section to view the virtual exhibit and video.

Join us as we celebrate International Women's Day
Celebrating Women Through the Arts
Collective Exhibition

March, 2020
Visit our Past Exhibitions section to view the exhibit.

Artists: Alondra Acosta Mora, Connie Arismendi, Ines Battló, Ana Borne, Veronica Castillo, Celeste deLuna, Laurence Denis, Sandra C. Fernández, Rebecca Fitzgerald, Ana Fuentes, Esperanza Gama, Mary Jane Garza, Naxieli Gómez, Deanne James, Barbara Joyner, Angela Navarro, Kelly Daniela Norris, Emily Socolov, and Abe Louise Young.

28th Annual Toma Mi Corazón Fundraiser
Friday, February 14, 2020

La Peña cordially invites you to celebrate Valentine's Day with us. Our 28th annual Toma Mi Corazón fundraiser features a silent auction filled with beautifully decorated hearts created by artists and community members. Our signature annual event supports La Peña's art and educational programs. The evening begins with live music by Grammy Nominated Sister Sister featuring singer-songwriter Melinda Joyce and Patricia Lynn Hernandez.

Friday, February 14, 2020
Live music, food, and Silent Auction
(Suggested donation $5 at the door)

Come and celebrate Valentine's Day with us while supporting La Peña's Art & Educational Programs. We will provide food, beverages, and Live Music by Grammy Nominated SISTER SISTER featuring singer-songwriter Melinda Joyce & Patricia Lynn Hernandez.

Interested in decorating a heart to donate to the auction?
If you would like to participate in this year’s event, hearts will be available for pick up at La Peña Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Print Austin 2020
Latinx Artists in Printmaking
"Justice and Being Latinx in USA"

Join us for the exhibit opening on Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 6-8 p.m. The evening features live music by Javier Jara.

Honoring
Our Virgen of Guadalupe
December 2019

Día de Los Muertos Collective Exhibit and Altares
Víctimas de la Violencia Armada
Honoring the victims of gun violence
October 26, 2019, 6-8 p.m.

With a tribute to the casualties of gun violence, La Peña celebrates the annual Día de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead with a group exhibition of artwork and Altares.

Austin’s hearts intersect with the hearts of all those who have been victims of America’s gun violence. This homage will address the full impact of gun deaths and injuries in America. We grieve the sacrifice of those who lost their lives, who witnessed a massacre, who know someone who was shot, or who live in fear of what may happen with yet another senseless shooting. We also celebrate the living people’s courage and resilience to confront gun violence, as communities recommit to justice, equity, and democratic values.

Film Screening and Q&A
Carlos Almaraz: Playing with Fire at Santa Cruz Theatre
​1805 E 7th St, Austin, Texas 78702
October 29, 2019, 7-10 p.m.

Free and open to the public
​Q and A with Co-Director Elsa Flores Almaraz following screening
85 mins. LGBTQ Documentary, English, 2019

Film Screening
Sombras de Azul
September 19, 2019, 6:30-9 p.m.

Free and open to the public
​Q and A with Writer/Director Kelly Daniela Norris following screening
Movie in Spanish with English subtitles

The Art of Fabio Saavedra
Opening Reception: July 20, 2019, 6-8 p.m.

“I only see the things I love. I have been doing the things I love in the same 400 sq/f space that I love for 18 years, painting and building some sculptures using discarded tree branches and bamboo.

I have enjoyed drawing and painting since I was a child. On my second or third semester at San Jacinto Jr. College in Pasadena, Texas. Mr Brown and two other professors let me know that I was a painter. I believed them and I have been walking on this field since that semester in 1967.
With the proper respects for the masters, ‘Anch’io son’pittore.'"

WEST AUSTIN STUDIO TOUR 2019
OESTE 4
A Collective Exhibition
May 11-12 and 18-19, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.​

Artists: Alejandra Almuelle, JC Amorrortu, Stuart Cameron, Cecilia Colomé, Fidencio Durán, Victor García, Naxieli Gomez, TheDeath Head, Brian Joseph, Mikey Korn, Carlos Lowry, Alberto Martinez, David Martinez, Francisco Mendizabal, Leticia Mosqueda, Fernando Muñoz, Kevin Muñoz, Kelly Daniela Norris, Salvador Rodriguez, Fabio Saavedra, Pamela Sanchez, Elvira Sarmiento, Ashley Tristán, Ray Valdez

Space & Justice: Sanchez Elementary Art Exhibition
Opening Reception: Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

An exhibition featuring art by students of Ms. Susan Holland's 2nd and 5th grade classes
Free art, music, clutura, and refreshments! 
Musical Performance featuring The Aztec Choir directed by Ms. Sam Wilson.

2nd grade artists: Samir, Daniela, Betsy, Rey, Evin, Daniel G., Alexa, Ariadne, Anthony, Denise, Cristian, Max, Lana, Brenda, Raeley, Markos, Heidy, Moises, Arianna, Jessica, Camila, Angel, Josue, Ayleen, David, Daniel C., Ariana, Santiago, Andrea, Kaylee, Maykel, Efrain, Aubree, Maddison, Umee, Leylah, James, Giselle 

5th grade artists: Christian, Paula, Jessica, Gabriel, Karley, David, Alan, Joshua, Michael, Gianna, Kayla, Ronnie, Ari, Suehey, Michael, Hector, Ximena, Emily, Emmanuel, Daniela, Axel, Melissa, Silvia, Felix, Heiry, Denise, Analy, Abigail, Guadalupe, Giovanni, Juan, Anjel, Belki, Fany, Kendall, Adrian, Kaitlyn, Alex 

Tish Hinojosa & Katia Cardenal
Mujeres de Canción Concert
​Saturday, March 30, 2019, 7-9 p.m.

Tish Hinajosa & Katia Cardenal in concert at La Peña

March is Women’s History Month and what better way to end it than by supporting women artist?  Come enjoy live music from Tish Hinojosa and Katia Cardenal Saturday, March 30 at 7pm.

Tish Hinojosa is one of 13 children born to immigrant parents. The Southwest has been a focal point for her songwriting in English and Spanish, in styles ranging from Tejano to singer-songwriter folk, border music, and country. In a career spanning more than three decades, she has toured extensively in the U.S. and Europe, recorded in English and Spanish as an independent artist for major record labels, and has been a featured artist on Austin City Limits and A Prairie Home Companion. Hinojosa was praised by the Chicago Tribune as “a first-class songwriter,” and her supple voice lends itself well to a variety of genres. Her most recent album, “West,” includes new originals and an eclectic mix of covers.

Katia Cardenal began her musical career in 1978 singing in the school choir .  In 1980 she joins her brother Salvador Cardenal (RIP ) and form the Duo Guardabarranco. Cardenal has recorded 10 albums as a soloist. Her performances have been included in compilations around the world in countries such as Spain , USA, Poland , Costa Rica , Korea , Cyprus , Syria, Argentina , Nicaragua and Norway. Katia founded the cultural promoter TUCANTO and MOKA RECORDS, independent record label , for editing her own catalog and supporting other Nicaraguan singer-songwriters. She is the founder and organizer of the International female singer songwriters held every year in Nicaragua since 2007. Katia has created FOUNDATION DUO GUARDABARRANCO, to promote, rescue and promote fundamental values to live in a just society through music based on the principles that give life to songs that have been part of her repertoire for 32 years.

Mujeres de Luz 
International Women's Day Group Exhibit
​Opening: Friday, March 8, 2019, 6-8 p.m.

Artists: Ana Borne, Cecilia Colomé, Veronica Castillo, Juanita Cole Towery, Naxieli Gomez Traub, Theresa Ibañez, Scherezade García, Iliana Emilia García, Yleana Martínez, Leticia Mosqueda, Farah Rivera, Victoria Rivero, Teresa Scott, Julia Santos Solomon, Elvira Sarmiento, Emily Socolov, Rama Tiru, Terry Ybañez

XXVII Toma Mi Corazón 
Silent Auction and After Party
​Saturday, February 9, 2019, 4 p.m.

Dedicated to Gus García and Jackie Warledo, La Peña cordially invites you to the 27th annual Toma Mi Corazón fundraiser featuring a silent auction of beautifully decorated wooden hearts created by renowned artists, children, dignitaries, and celebrities. All proceeds support La Peña’s arts and educational programming. Food, refreshments & music will be provided.

Music by Grammy-nominated Sister Sister (featuring singer-songwriter Melinda Joyce and Patricia Lynn Hernandez) begins at 4 p.m. followed by the silent auction from 6-8 p.m. and after party.

$10 admission. For more information click here

Latino Artists in Printmaking 
Print Austin 2019
​January 12-February 5, 2019

For more information click here
Gallery hours: Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Joe Lopez: Yo Soy Como Soy 
Opening Reception December 14, 2018
​Featuring Live Music by Johnny Degollado

Opening Reception: Friday, December 14, 2018, 6-8 p.m.

Día de Los Muertos 
A Collective Art Exhibition for Day of the Dead & Altares

Saturday, October 27, 2018, 6 p.m.
Live Music by Pati Ayala-McLean and The BenTones

Sounds of Crossing
Book Talk and Signing by Author Alex E. Chávez

Friday, October 12, 2018, 6 p.m.
Photo Exhibit: "El Destino: Musical Lives Across Borders"

Introduction by José E. Limon, Faculty Emeritus, UT Austin and University of Notre Dame
Photo Exhibit: “El Destino: Musical Lives Across Borders”
Book Talk & Book Signing
Reception to Follow
Music by El Tallercito del Son SATX

Cowgirls con Guitarras
Live Music by Tish Hinojosa and Rosie Flores

​Sunday, September 30, 2018, 7-9 p.m.

EL SUR EXISTE: The South Exists
The Art of Contemporary Chilean Printmakers

Artists: Tara Blanca, Campana, Marco Duran, Alex Ruiz Muñoz (Ikram), Carolina Salinas, Erick Martinez
Opening Reception: Saturday, August 25, 2018, 6-8 p.m.
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"Tulips signify perfect love, white signifying purity, innocence, forgiveness and respect." Eileen Dolan

CLOSER'S BALL "LIFE IN PARK"
The Art of Deshawn Washington

Join us for the opening exhibition of Austin artist, Deshawn Washington.
Opening Reception: Saturday, June 16, 2018, 6-8 p.m.

"My goal as an Artist is to let the world see that, as diverse is the color of races on this planet, so too is the interpretation of the world of Art."   – Deshawn Washington

OESTE 3: West Austin Studio Tour #189
A Collective Latino Exhibition

Opening Reception: Saturday, May 12, 2018, 5:30-8 p.m.
Live Music by Tish Hinojosa, presenting her new CD "WEST"

Artists: Alondra Acosta, Alejandra Almuelle, J.C. Amorrortu, Tara Blanca, Constanza Cameron, Carlos Cedillo, Cecilia Colomé, Victor García, Naxieli Gomez-Traub, Luis Guerra, Salvador López, Carlos Lowry, Claudia Montero, Fernando Muñoz, Carla Nickerson, Hampton Rodríguez, Salvador Rodríguez, Pamela Sanchez, Miguel Angel Santana, José Francisco Treviño, Ashley Tristán, Ray Valdez, Victoria West, Liliana Wilson, The Serie Project
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​CALENDAR OF EVENTS DURING WEST (May 12-13 and 19-20)
Saturday, May 12, 2-3 p.m.
RAY VALDEZ: Native American Traditions through Music (Q&A to follow)

Sunday, May 13, 3-6 p.m.
Poetry, Music and Art presented by Alianza Cultural Latinoamericana.

Gallery Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (May 12-13 and 19-20: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.)
Inspiring Women
A Collective Exhibition of Women Artists

Opening Reception: Saturday, March 10, 2018, 6-8 p.m.

Artists: Ana Borne, Mary Christina Cisneros, Juanita Cole Towery, Cecilia Colomé, Nancy Espinal, Anel Flores, Naxieli Gomez-Traub, Suzy González, Cliona Gunter, Carla Nickerson, Farah Rivera, Elvira Sarmiento, Emily Socolov, April Sullivan, Rama Tirú, Ashley Tristán.

Exhibit open from March 10-April 10, 2018
Gallery Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Toma Mi Corazón XXVI 2018

La Peña cordially invites you to attend the 26th annual Toma Mi Corazón (Take My Heart) fundraiser featuring a silent auction of beautifully decorated wooden hearts, created by renowned artists, children, dignitaries, celebrities, and anyone who wishes to participate.

All proceeds go to support La Peña's arts and educational programming.

OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC
Saturday, February 10, 2018

Preview Party
4:00-6:00 p.m. (includes silent auction)
Food and beverages
$10 admission 

General Admission
6:00-8:00 p.m.
​Silent Auction
$5 suggested donation
8:00 p.m. After Party

​Musical performance by Grammy-nominated Sister Sister featuring singer-songwriter Melinda Joyce and Patricia Lynn Hernández
​
If you wish to participate please contact us, so we can provide you with a heart!
The deadline for submitting your decorated heart is Saturday, February the 3rd.

OESTE 2
A Collective Latino Art Exhibit
West Studio Tour 157

May 13-14 and 20-21, 2017

Opening Reception: May 13, 2017, 3-6 p.m.

Featuring: Alejandra Almuelle, Tara Blanca, Constanza Cameron, Verónica Castillo, Cecilia Colomé, Sam Coronado, Fidencio Duran, Luis Guerra, Carlos Lowry, Fernando Muñoz, Carla Nickerson, Renee Nunez, Cecilia Sánchez Duarte, Ana Salinas, Elvira Sarmiento, Mónica Tornoé, Liliana Wilson, Project Series,
La Printería San Antonio, Taller Grado 75

#oeste2 #oestearte #art #latinoart #west #weststudiotour2017 #lapeñagallery #gallery #downtownaustin #austin #atx #texas #latinos

The Work and Career of Sandra Cisneros

Sánchez Elementary Exhibition
Friendship Blankets

 
“Friendship Blankets” artwork created by Sánchez Elementary 4th grade students and inspired by textiles woven in Mexico and Native American blankets. Exhibit open the month of April.

Students: Emily, Belén, Bryan, Roberto, Adriana, Heiry, Natalie, Benefice, Reese, Leo, J'Naya, Vanessa, Chris, Isaac, Luis, Mariah, Oscar, Ian, Pete, Zulyd, Javier, Shasdity, Norma, Yamileth, Atzhiry, Carlos, Alexis, Sebastian, Aida, Jennifer, Nataneli, Alondra, Keilyn, Giovanni, Joselyn, Hannah, Zaw, Jessica

Weaving
by 4th grade student-artists

The textiles of Mexico have a long history. The making of fibers, cloth, and other textile goods has existed in the country since at least 1400 BC.  Pueblo and Navajo tribes also have weaving traditions. Weaving began in the Southwest more than 1000 years ago and traditions have changed and grown as different people with different technology arrived in the region.
 
By the 1800’s Navajo tribes had adopted weaving techniques from the Pueblo tribes and were weaving with wool, introduced by the Spanish and English.  Weavers had a limited number of colors to use. Tribes had natural dyes that could make a variety of shades of brown or black.  A blue dye could be made from the indigo plant. Their red yarn might have come from unraveling red blankets and material from England, or the famous cochineal, red dye from Mexico, was popular and available, but expensive.
 
Fourth-grade students designed weaving replica collages in limited color schemes based on their study of the color wheel.  They cut and glued paper in a repeating pattern and tied on a fringe at the edges. 

With Native American and Mexican blankets and rugs as an inspiration, students also used cardboard looms and created weavings.  Once they learned the basic plain weaving style, students experimented with different styles. From a selection of 9 different weaving styles found around the world, students were challenged to try at least 3 styles.  Some used 4 or more styles and some invented styles of their own.
 
We worked for several weeks, mastering the styles and the process of weaving. The students set individual goals for the amount of styles and length of the weaving they hoped to achieve. 
 
After they finished their individual work, students worked in teams to paint large artworks inspired by traditional weaving, but with their own styles. They added yarn tassels to the edges to complete these painted blanket replicas.
 
Weaving is an important lesson because it builds skills, allows students to plan and problem solve and to achieve a result through perseverance and to exercise craftsmanship. Collaborating on an artwork is an opportunity to unite SEL (social) skills with art skills.


Join us for a musical performance featuring The Aztec Choir directed by Chris Diaz.
Monday, April 24, 2017, 4-6 p.m.

TESTIGOS/ WITNESSES

A Night at La Peña featuring Tish Hinojosa​

La Peña presents

A Night at La Peña featuring Tish Hinojosa 
Thursday, March 16, 2017, 6-8 p.m.

facebook.com/LaPenaAustin • Instagram: @lapena_austin

Grammy-nominated 
Sister Sister

La Peña presents

Grammy-nominated Sister Sister featuring singer-songwriter Melinda Joyce and Patricia Lynn Hernandez

Friday, March 17, 2017, 6-8 p.m.

facebook.com/LaPenaAustin • Instagram: @lapena_austin

La Peña presents:
TESTIGOS / WITNESSES
The International Women's Day 2017 Exhibition

Opening: Saturday March 4, 6-8 p.m.

La Peña presents Testigos/Witnesses International Women's Day Exhibition
 
Commemorating International Women’s Day with a visual arts exhibit during the month of March
 
Artists: Alejandra Almuelle, Ana Borne, Andrea Carnaval, Veronica Castillo, Cecilia Colomé, Rita Maria Contreras, Celeste DeLuna, Nancy Espinal Argueta, Anel Flores, Marcela Foutel, Iliana Emilia Garcia, Scherezade Garcia, Cecilia Garcia Morales, Marsha Gomez, Nancy Guevara, Cliona Gunter, Elizabeth Hoisington, Carla Nickerson, Adriana Rodríguez, Jan Middlenton Rose, Patricia Ruiz, Anna Salinas, Cecilia Sánchez-Duarte, Maryangela Sanchez-Rocca, Elvira Sarmiento, Rama Tirumalachar, Elisabeth Wilborn, Liliana Wilson, Andrea Zarate.
 
OPENING: Saturday, March 4, 2017, 6-8 p.m.
 
facebook.com/LaPenaAustin • Instagram: @lapena_austin
 

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Cynthia and Brian Joseph
 "We Are Austin"
Friday, June 29, 2018

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Huichol Deer Repopulation Project

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La Peña is proud to sponsor the Huichal Deer Repopulation Project created by our friend Luis Guerra.
Luis is a painter, sculptor, writer, storyteller, and activist.
    In recent months the Huichol Deer Repopulation Project has relocated 33 deer from northern Mexico to the Sierra Madre, in Jalisco. According to Luis, "The dream of repopulating the Sierra Madre of Jalisco with deer actually came to me about 28 years ago, when I attended the Huichol Festival of the Drum, the Corn, and the Squash. It was then that I learned that encroachment and poaching had decimated the deer population in Huichol land. Which was truly tragic, given that deer are sacred to the Huichol, an integral and major part of their cosmology."

Here is the full report with more information:
Huichol Deer Repopulation Project

Please make a tax-deductible contribution to the Deer Project. You can do it online by going to our Contact Us page and clicking on Donate. Please indicate that it is for the Deer Project (in the “Add special instructions” box, in the “Review Donations” page.)
      Or, write a check to La Peña (indicating that it’s for the Deer Project) and mail it to: La Peña • 227 Congress Ave. • Austin, TX 78701
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