Cultural Center Kicks Off Annual “Mujer Exhibit,” Celebrates Women’s History Month

A work of art currently on display at Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center’s “Mujer Exhibit.” | Photo by Daisy Garcia Montoya

Daisy Garcia Montoya

Education Reporter

Local nonprofit, Mattie Rhodes Center (MRC), welcomed back its First Friday activities on March 7 with the opening night of the annual “Mujer Exhibit” at MRC Cultural Center (1701 Jarboe St).

This free exhibit, named “Mujer — Poder y Fuerza” (Women — Power and Strength), will be on display for the entirety of March and will feature art from 24 different local women artists.

This year’s theme is Power and Strength to reflect the everyday challenges of a woman’s life and their ability to persevere beyond them. This theme was chosen as a way to remind women of their strength, while also encouraging self-care and appreciation.

“Especially in today’s world, whether it be political, economic or whatever way you look at it, women just go through a lot. It’s everyday challenges that show how much power and strength women have or the amount they have and some people don’t realize that,” said MRC Gallery Coordinator Charlie Ortiz. “This serves as a reminder of everything that women have to constantly deal with on the day-to-day (basis) but most importantly, a big reminder to take care of yourself and appreciate yourself as well.”

Although the Mujer Exhibit has history going back over 20 years, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic and the construction of MRC’s current Cultural Center in 2022 that this exhibit evolved into the show that it is today. On opening night Friday, live DJs provided music to attendees as well as vendors from women-owned businesses to further support local businesses.

“Mujer shows the importance of giving a voice to women and making sure that we continue to honor that and create more opportunities for women artists and new artists in general who can feel at home here and able to participate,” Cultural Arts Director Jenny Mendez said. “We have to be able to continue the work that we’ve always done and continue to put it in the forefront of the work we do, and give a voice. Whether that’s womens rights or something else.”

**Work on display by artist Isabel Flores**. **| Photo by Daisy Garcia Montoya**

As for the featured artists, Ortiz said that an open-call is done to artists whom they have worked with in the past but look to new artists to provide them with an opportunity to showcase art in a gallery. Art being showcased will also be on sale and available for purchase.

To further tie together the work that MRC does through its programming and its cultural arts exhibits, Ortiz shared that MRC will be hosting its fourth annual “Mujer Symposium” on March 15, focused on self-care reflection and women empowerment.

The symposium will have a $10 cost that will include lunch.

“All proceeds always go back to our programming for all of our future events. So you know, its always being recycled back into the next event and the next week,” Ortiz said.

This event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cultural Center and will feature guest speakers who will share stories and open a dialogue of everyday life as a woman.

Additionally, attendees will participate in an art activity and learn about self-care tips. Mendez says that the day will provide an opportunity for women to be in a room where they can share experiences and support each other as they talk about challenges they may have faced.

“This whole idea of women, where do we take care of others if we don’t take care of ourselves? That’s such a big theme, especially among Latinas, we work until we no longer can and then we just suffer,” Mendez said. “It’s a way to learn how to take better care of ourselves, how we can be a support system for others and just have a conversation about strength and empowerment.”

Interested parties are encouraged to register on the MRC website for the Mujer Symposium.

“Everyone is welcomed, we hope people come ready to view amazing artwork and support our local artists,” Mendez said.

The Mujer exhibit will be available throughout March and can be visited from 12 to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. For a personal tour, individuals can request an appointment outside of these hours by emailing the MRC Gallery Coordinator Charlie Ortiz at: cortiz@mattierhodes.org.