SAN ANTONIO, TX.- A series of striking prints now line the walls of the Butt Paperworks Gallery at the McNay Art Museum, this time focusing solely on Chicana artists, many of whom have had to fight to make their voices heard. The exhibition, Estampas Chicanas, aims to increase the visibility of Chicana artists who have been historically overlooked, especially in important social developments like the Chicano labor movement. The artworks in this exhibition are generous gifts of Harriett and Ricardo Romo, and include works by Judy Baca, Patssi Valdez, Barbara Carrasco, Ester Hernandez, Alma Lopez, and others.

Estampas Chicanas is the latest exhibition in a series drawn from donations made to the Museum by the Romos. Since 2008, the philanthropic family has donated more than 450 objects to the collection. Many of the works in this exhibition are recent donations and have never been exhibited at the McNay before.

“Thanks to the Romos, the McNay has developed one of the most important collections of contemporary Latino/a printmaking in the country,” said Lyle Williams, McNay Curator of Prints and Drawings. “Several exhibitions drawn entirely from their gifts have already been organized, and there will be more to come.”

For the inquisitive visitor, an interactive kiosk is available in the gallery, highlighting information about related topics and people in the exhibition—including Emma Tenayuca—the San Antonio-based labor leader who organized a pecan shellers’ strike in 1938. A free performance honoring Tenayuca will take place at the Museum on Thursday, January 24 at 6:30 p.m., followed by a book signing with the authors and illustrator of the original children’s book, ¡No Es Justo!: Emma Tenayuca's Struggle for Justice.

Estampas Chicanas will be on view through May 5, 2019.