5:00pm – 7:00pm

Join us for a free public reception to celebrate the opening of Paño Connections – Corazon Knows No Bounds.

The Art Museum at the National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) is honored to host the exhibition Paño Connections organized by artist and guest curator Eric “Christo” Martinez.  On display in the Community Gallery, which is dedicated to showcasing art by New Mexican artists, this exhibit explores artworks inspired by paños (drawings on handkerchiefs) and other artworks created by incarcerated artists. This is the second iteration of this exhibit, and Martinez’s goal is to expand connections among those who are passionate about this body of work.

Featured Artists:

Adan Hernandez , “Big Dave” Griego, Carlos Contreras, Carlos “Gordo” Vigil, Chuey Armenta, Crystalynn Maestas, David C. Luna, Eric Christo Martinez, Eric Javier Martinez, Eric Martinez, Gerald Lovato, Jeremy Hovey, Jesse Casias, Jimmy Santiago Baca, Joey Nelson, Keith Coughenhour, Kevin Herrera Mauldin, Leticia Luna, Merrick Morton, Phillip “Oso” Barrios, Taylor Hackford

Additionally, Paños Connections builds upon The Rudy Padilla Paño Project at the NHCC Art Museum.  The Rudy Padilla Paño Project includes a collection of art and paños by incarcerated and formerly incarcerated artists that was amassed by the late collector and community advocate, Rudy Padilla, his archive, a traveling exhibit, and catalogue.  This collaboration with Martinez builds upon the dialogue that honors the longstanding and ever-evolving artistic traditions born inside and expanding beyond the United States prison system.