Free and open to the public.
Ofelia Esparza Closing Celebration
May 9 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Event Location
Vincent Price Art Museum
Join us for a special closing celebration of Ofelia Esparza: A Retrospective, marking the culmination of the exhibition on view since October 2025. 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 heart of the program will feature a panel conversation with Ofelia Esparza, Yreina Cervántez, and Betty Marín, moderated by art historian and exhibition co-curator Sybil Venegas. Bringing together artist, educators, and cultural organizers, the intergenerational dialogue will explore how these women have built and sustained spaces for Chicana/Latina art and culture. Reflecting on their roles as both culture bearers and leaders, they will share how their work supports artistic communities through teaching, collaboration, and public practice—drawing on their deep connections to organizations such as Self Help Graphics & Art, Tonalli Studio, and the Alliance for California Traditional Arts. 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.
Event Schedule:
1:00–2:00 PM Panel Discussion: Cultural Bearers and Builders: Women Shaping Art and Community with Ofelia Esparza, Yreina Cervántez, and Betty Marín, moderated by art historian and exhibition co-curator Sybil Venegas
Please note: Seating for the panel discussion is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
2:00–3:00 PM Live Poster Printing with Self Help Graphics & Art
Attendees are invited to take home a live screen-printed poster featuring Diosa del Maíz (1998) by Ofelia Esparza. Guests are also welcome to bring a blank tote bag or shirt to have the design printed!
2:00–3:00 PM Flower Tissue Making Station
Due to high demand, participation is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
3:00–4:00 PM Acoustic performance by La Marisoul y Son California
Because of limited space in the gallery, seating for the performance will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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. RSVPs encouraged at the “Register Now” link below.
Show Credits
Ofelia Esparza: A Retrospective is organized by the Vincent Price Art Museum at East Los Angeles College. The exhibition is curated by Joseph Valencia and Sybil Venegas with Gloria Ortega.
The exhibition was made possible with lead support from the Terra Foundation for American Art.
Generous support provided by the Teiger Foundation.
Additional support is provided by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), and the Pasadena Art Alliance.
All exhibitions at the Vincent Price Art Museum are underwritten by the Vincent Price Art Museum Foundation and East Los Angeles College.
Photo by Diana Feil.