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
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
The Thing with Wings: The Art of Rita María Contreras
Opening Reception
Saturday, April 18, 2026
6:00–8:00 PM
Exhibition Dates
April 18 – May 14, 2026
Borrowing its title from Emily Dickinson’s meditation on hope as “the thing with feathers,” this exhibition explores quiet, persistent forces that sustain life—often unseen, yet deeply felt. Through gesture, material, and rhythm, the works give form to what resists language.
Unfolding across five sections—Cosmos, Agua Santa, Patchwork, Beacons, and Airborne—the exhibition traces the energies of life, creation, and transformation.
Rita María Contreras is an award-winning painter based in San Antonio, Texas, whose process-driven abstractions in oil and cold wax explore themes of creation, life force, and the natural and spiritual world. Her work is held in public and private collections, including the University of Texas at San Antonio.
We hope you can join us.
Opening Reception
Saturday, April 18, 2026
6:00–8:00 PM
Exhibition Dates
April 18 – May 14, 2026
Borrowing its title from Emily Dickinson’s meditation on hope as “the thing with feathers,” this exhibition explores quiet, persistent forces that sustain life—often unseen, yet deeply felt. Through gesture, material, and rhythm, the works give form to what resists language.
Unfolding across five sections—Cosmos, Agua Santa, Patchwork, Beacons, and Airborne—the exhibition traces the energies of life, creation, and transformation.
Rita María Contreras is an award-winning painter based in San Antonio, Texas, whose process-driven abstractions in oil and cold wax explore themes of creation, life force, and the natural and spiritual world. Her work is held in public and private collections, including the University of Texas at San Antonio.
We hope you can join us.
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Welcome to La Peña GalleryCelebrating 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. |
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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 |
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"We Are Austin" with Cynthia Perez and Brian Joseph
Friday, June 29, 2018
