La Peña Gallery
227 Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701 • (512) 477-6007 
Gallery Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.; closed Sunday

In Light of Conversations with Russell Lee
An Exhibition and Talk Series by Alan Pogue

In 1976, Russell Lee’s fine art photography class was booked three years in advance. Rather than wait, I sought him out during office hours and began what became a ten-year conversation about photography. Lee encouraged me to study Ansel Adams’s The Camera, The Negative, and The Print, and to continue documenting farmworkers, prisons, and everyday life in Texas, subjects he himself had photographed decades earlier.
Through our meetings, Lee taught me to look beyond surface beauty and focus on context, content, and character. His lessons were rarely spoken directly, but conveyed through quiet observation and response. From him, I learned that a photograph must reveal more than form. It must show that the photographer truly sees.
Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
Opening Reception and First Talk
Ten Years of Discussing Photographs with Russell Lee
Join us for the opening reception and an introductory talk, followed by an informal gathering with scotch on the rocks.

Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
My Path in Photography: Documenting Movements for Social Justice

Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Demonstration of Photographic Printmaking

Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
The Economics of Aesthetics: Reality Versus Artifice
(How I Cornered the Market in Impoverished 501(c)(3)s)​

Exhibition dates: January 4 to January 31, 2026

Toma Mi Corazón XXXIV (34)
​La Peña's Annual Fundraiser

Call for Submissions: Join Toma Mi Corazón 2026!

We are excited to announce that our annual community art exhibit, Toma Mi Corazón, is just around the corner, and we invite all local artists to participate in this wonderful opportunity and fundraiser.

Toma Mi Corazón XXXIV (34)
Saturday, February 7, 2026
 
We thank you for supporting La Pena’s Art and Educational Programs by participating in this annual event.
 
La Pena Latino Arts Organization
227 Congress Ave.
(512)477-6007
Please E-mail [email protected] with questions regarding Toma Mi Corazon 2026

Welcome to La Peña Gallery

Celebrating Culture, Creativity, and Community in the Heart of Austin
Nestled in the vibrant downtown of Austin, La Peña Gallery is a beloved cultural hub dedicated to showcasing diverse voices through the visual arts. Since its founding in 1981, La Peña has stood as a cornerstone for Latinx and underrepresented artists, providing an inclusive space where creativity and community come together.
Our gallery hosts year-round exhibitions, performances, workshops, and educational programs that reflect Austin’s rich multicultural landscape. Whether you're a local art enthusiast or a visitor discovering the city's creative soul, La Peña offers a unique, grassroots experience that connects art with social justice, history, and heritage.
We invite you to explore our ever-evolving exhibitions, meet the artists who shape our community, and take part in the vibrant cultural dialogue that defines La Peña. Admission is always free, and everyone is welcome.
Visit us and discover art that speaks to the heart of Austin.

Toma Mi Corazón (Take My Heart)

La Peña’s Annual Fundraiser & Art Celebration
Join us for Toma Mi Corazón, La Peña Gallery’s beloved annual fundraiser that brings together art, community, and corazón! This vibrant event features one-of-a-kind heart-themed artworks created and donated by local artists, with all proceeds supporting La Peña’s year-round exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events.
Held each February in the spirit of love and solidarity, Toma Mi Corazón is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the power of art to bring people together. Come support local artists, bid on beautiful works, and help sustain La Peña’s mission of cultural equity and expression.
Show your heart. Take a heart. Support the arts.
La Peña's 34 Toma Mi Corazon
​February 2026

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