June 21 until November 2, 2025
Colors of the Border: Art, Identity, and Connection
Location: California Center for the Arts Museum, 340 N. Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025
Following the powerful impact of XICANA! at El Camino College, ESMoA is proud to present the next evolution: XICANA! San Diego in collaboration with the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. This expanded Experience brings together artists from the original Los Angeles-based show alongside new voices from San Diego County, creating a dynamic cross-regional dialogue rooted in Chicana identity, resistance, and creative expression.
Presented under the theme “Colors of the Border: Art, Identity, and Connection,” this groundbreaking exhibition explores the role of art as a bridge between communities and a vessel for shared stories. With more than 200 works by over 100 artists, visitors will encounter murals, photography, sculpture, and immersive installations that explore themes of migration, resilience, cultural heritage, and collective memory.
Anchoring the exhibition is the monumental Tonantzin by guest artist Louis Verdad – a 14-foot-high sculpture blending fashion, Mesoamerican mythology, and fine art into a contemporary altar honoring Mother Earth and feminine divinity. See ESMoA EXTENSION Experience 65: Tonantzin.
At a time of deep national division and ongoing border debates, XICANA! San Diego stands as a peaceful call to action – a space for reflection, healing, and connection through the transformative power of art.
Curator: Dulce Stein
Participating Artists Include: Adriana Alfaro, Adriana V. Gutierrez, Alma Lopez, Alma Rosas, Alondra Buccio, Alondra Zamorano, Andrea Ruvalcaba, Anna Siqueiros, ARTGABA, Beatriz Nicki De Necochea, Bianca Argueta, Bonnie Lambert, Brenda Trujillo, Camille Rose Garcia, Carolyn T. Young, Cat Machine Gems (Cat Morales), Celeste de Luna, Celeste Martinez de Luna, Claudia Lucero, Cocoy Garcia, Consuelo Flores, Daisy Zavala, Demi Pinal, Diane Gamboa, Dolores Carlos, Dolores Guerrero-Cruz, Edalia Olivo-Gomez, Elidé Sanchez, Elizabeth Munzon, Elsa Flores, Emilia Cruz, Endy Trece, Erika Flores, Ester Petschar, Favianna Rodriguez, Gabriela Zapata, Gail Gutierrez, Ginette Rondeau, Gloria Favela Rocha, Gloria Niebla, Gloria Vasquez-Warner, Grace Barraza-Vega, Griselda Renteria, Hedy Trevino, Hedy V. Torres Cardenas, Heidy Salinas, Isabel “Chavela” Figueroa, Jacqueline Hernandez “Las Chicas Peligrosas”, Jacqueline Valenzuela, Janette Delgadillo, Jasmine Soledawg V, Jennifer Morgan, Jessica Santiago Cihua Mazatl, Jessie Villa, Judith Francisca Baca, Judithe Hernandez, Julia Chavez, Julia Martinez, Kathy Zamora, Kikki Eder, Laura Aguilar, Laura E. Alvarez, Liliana Hueso, Linda Vallejo, Lisa Cabrera, Magda Audifred, Margaret Garcia, Maria Elena Castro, Maria Islas, Maria Platas, Marilu Franco, Martha Alicia Rivas Maravilla, Maya Christina Smith Gonzalez, Melanie Cervantes, Nancy Uyenura, Nikki Garcia Poling, Noemí Castañeda, Ofelia Esparza, Patricia Cruz, Patssi Valdez, Poli Marichal, Rachel Zepeda, Rebeca Guerrero, Rissa Martinez, Rocio Villanueva, Rosa Estremera, Rosa M. Huerta-Williams, Rosanna Esparza Ahrens, Rosie Garcia, Rosita González, Sandra Carmona, Sandy Garcia, Shizu Saldamando, Sonia Romero, Stacy Soriano, Stephanie Mercado, Susie Chavez, Tina Arroyos, Victoria Delgadillo, Yolanda Gonzalez, Yolanda Lopez, Yreina D. Cervántez, Yvette Trujillo, Zaret Guadalupe Proa, and more.
Join us for the Opening Night Celebration on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 6 – 8 PM with live music, artist appearances, and a first look at the exhibition.
At the California Center for the Arts Museum, 340 N. Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025