Join us for a special closing celebration of “Ofelia Esparza: A Retrospective!” 🌼 This free, public program brings together community members, artists, and longtime supporters of Esparza’s work for an afternoon honoring women as artists, educators, and culture bearers. ✨

The afternoon will feature a panel conversation with Ofelia Esparza, Yreina Cervántez, and Betty Marín, moderated by art historian and exhibition co-curator Sybil Venegas. The intergenerational dialogue will explore how these women have built and sustained spaces for Chicana/Latina art and culture. (Please note: Seating for the panel discussion is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.)

Following the panel, visitors are invited to engage in live poster printing with Self Help Graphics & Art, participate in hands-on flower tissue-making activities, and enjoy an in-gallery acoustic performance by La Marisoul y Son California. 🎶

As this celebration will take place during Mother’s Day weekend, we invite you to bring your mothers, chosen family, and loved ones to celebrate creativity, care, and community together. 🧡

Free and open to the public. RSVP to join us at the link in bio!

📷: Diana Feil ...

Earlier this month, several pieces from VPAM’s permanent collection were highlighted in “Silenced Witness: Nagasaki in the eyes of a US combat artist,” a new documentary on @nhkworldjapan.

The film explores the life and work of American artist Ted Gilien, who began his career as a New Deal muralist through the Works Progress Administration and as a set-designer for films, including “Spartacus” (1960). In World War II, he served as a U.S. army sergeant in the South Pacific, and was among the first Americans to enter Nagasaki in 1945 after its atomic bombing by the U.S.

His postwar paintings, many of which remain unidentified or in private hands, reflect a visual evolution shaped by the experience of witnessing a devastated Japan. We are honored to hold 33 of his artworks within the VPAM permanent collection.

Check out “Silenced Witness” at the link in bio!

Image captions:
* Ted Gilien, [group of figures in a row], c. 1940-1950, Gift of Lawrence and Charlotte Sherman, Vincent Price Art Museum.
* Ted Gilien, [immigrant families], c. 1940-1950, Gift of Lawrence and Charlotte Sherman, Vincent Price Art Museum.
* Ted Gilien, [five seated figures - four women, one man], c. 1940-1950, Gift of Lawrence and Charlotte Sherman, Vincent Price Art Museum. ...

This Saturday! Celebrate #NationalPoetryMonth at VPAM with a special poetry writing workshop led by #LA-based poet and artist @gloriaenedinaalvarez.

Using the exhibition, “Ofelia Esparza: A Retrospective” as inspiration, participants will be guided through writing prompts that transform images, objects, and personal histories into poetry. The afternoon welcomes writers of all experience levels to engage with Esparza’s art through words.

Free and open to the public. RSVP now at the link in bio to join us! 

Image: Installation view, “Ofelia Esparza: A Retrospective,” on view at the Vincent Price Art Museum at East Los Angeles College, October 18, 2025–April 18, 2026. Photo by Paul Salveson. ...