“Madre Mia, Madre De” by Mayolo Gomez
A collection of work by Bay Area Chicano artists
Exhibition Dates:
September 18-November 1, 2025
Opening Reception: Thursday, September 18, 5:30-7:30pm
The use of the term “Chicano,” or more recently, “Xicano,” is a self-proclaimed identity for many Americans of Mexican descent. It originated in the Civil Rights movements of the 1960s as a form of empowerment and pride. The more recent use of the capital ‘X,’ which refers back to Spanish simplification of the pictographic Nahuatl language, is a reclamation and expression of Indigenous experiences of colonialization. Some add an ‘x’ to the end of the word (Xicanx) to include gender-non-binary people.
The artists invited to participate in this exhibition call Sonoma County home. Their work expresses individual stories of identity and experience, the experience of being Xicano today (American, Mexican, Californian, Indigenous), and being an artist in an ever-changing landscape.
Related Events
Lowrider Festival on Saturday, September 27, from 12-4 pm. Featuring some of Sonoma County’s best lowrider cars, taco trucks, a DJ, and a dance performance by Ballet Paquilloyotzin de Petaluma at 2.
Dia de Los Muertos Closing Party and Altar on Saturday, November 1, from 12-4 pm.
Participating Artists:
Brian Arriaga (B’Loved), Mo Bernal, Walter Chavez, Rosa Diaz-Serrano, Jocelyn Garcia, Alexis Ginez, Mayolo Gomez, Nathan Gomez, Josue Orellana, Edilia Mendez, Valerie Calzada-Martinez and David “Chop” Martinez, Peter Perez, Irma Rodriguez, Manny Rodriguez, Alex Roman, Eduardo Soto Ceron, Andrew Valencia, Bryan Vargas, and Martin Zúñiga.
Jurors: Anabell Nuñez, Juan Roman, Vicky Kumpfer, and Maggie Parr