San Antonio’s Centro de Artes has transformed into a vibrant storytelling hub with two concurrent exhibitions now on display from March 27 – August 17, 2025, celebrating the intersection of literature and visual art from Latinx voices. From comics to picture books, these exhibitions invite visitors to immerse themselves in powerful narratives brought to life through illustration.
First Floor: Borders, Bleeds, Margins, and Gutters
This exhibition delves into the dynamic world of contemporary comics, featuring work from eight artists who explore the concept of boundaries—both physical and metaphorical. Through panels and ink, their creations wrestle with space, identity, and contemporary Latinx experiences, including reflections on border politics and cultural heritage.
Curated by Gabe Garcia and Micah Bornstein, Borders, Bleeds, Margins, and Gutters highlights how comics can serve as a powerful medium for storytelling, activism, and self-expression.
Second Floor: A Thousand Words—The Power of Pictures in Books
Illustration takes center stage in this visually stunning exhibition showcasing the work of 17 acclaimed Latinx picture book artists. Through vibrant imagery and masterful storytelling, these artists captivate audiences of all ages, demonstrating the lasting impact of picture books in shaping cultural narratives and childhood experiences.
Guest curators Xelena González and Kim Garza Chbeir bring together a collection that celebrates the artistry and influence of picture book illustrations, highlighting the magic that happens when words and images converge.
“I hope that young people in our community in particular can recognize the beauty in their brown skin and in their culture,” says Xelena González, co-curator of A Thousand Words. “These books are part of a new movement in the canon of literature that is finally diversifying its pages and shining light on cultures such as those within the Latinx, Indigenous, and Mestizo experiences. My other wish is to inspire creators of all ages to depict their true experiences—in visual art, writing, music, dance, cooking, whatever their creative form may be—and to know that their art will be valued by others who see their own experiences reflected in their offering.”
A Literary and Visual Journey
Together, these exhibitions invite visitors to step inside the pages of their favorite comics and books, experiencing storytelling in an entirely new way. Whether through the evocative panels of comics or the enchanting world of picture book illustrations, Borders, Bleeds, Margins, and Gutters and A Thousand Words showcase the transformative power of visual storytelling.
More About Centro de Artes
Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio’s Zona Cultural on the grounds of Historic Market Square, Centro de Artes Gallery is a two-story exhibit space dedicated to telling the story of the Latino experience with a focus on South Texas through local and regional art, history, and culture. The gallery showcases Latino artists and Latino-themed artworks and is always free to visit.
Learn more at SA.gov/Arts and follow @GetCreativeSA.