Latinx Pop Art Exhibit Inside Historic Market Square

Published on October 14, 2026

SAN ANTONIO (October 14, 2026) – An eye-catching exhibition offers commentary on the evolutions of shopping culture across Latinx communities. “Mercado/Material” at Centro de Artes Gallery is fully stocked with vibrant imagery drawn from open-air markets, corner-store bodegas, and big box grocery stores. 

Exhibiting curator, Mia Lopez, has thoughtfully procured the inventory which includes hand-lettered signage, textile sculptures, and installations that replicate not only the aesthetic, but the shared experiences of shopping, working, and coexisting at marketplaces.

Lopez is no stranger to the building that Centro de Artes calls home. The iconic pink and blue structure at the entrance of Market Square once housed the Smithsonian-affiliated Museo Alameda, where Lopez cut her teeth as an emerging arts professional. She returns to this physical space now primed with her own memories and experiences of the mercado.

“By reimagining commercial goods and drawing on popular culture, these artworks challenge expectations and craft new narratives that mirror the ongoing evolution of the mercado,” Lopez said.

There is no short supply of diverse representation in this show, with more than a dozen artists from San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, New York City and Chicago. Notably, works are included from the late Chuck Ramirez, an art director for San Antonio’s beloved grocery store chain, H-E-B.

“This is an especially meaningful exhibition as this fall marks 10 years of Centro de Artes providing free, accessible art experiences centered on the transnational Latino experience in the heart of Historic Market Square,” said Krystal Jones, executive director of the City’s Department of Arts and Culture. “This milestone is proof positive that City-run art galleries can successfully and sustainably serve their communities. We're inviting visitors to see the mercado not simply as a place to shop, but as a living space of memory, creativity and cultural connection through the eyes of incredibly dynamic artists from near and far."

The public is invited to the opening reception on Thursday, Oct. 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Centro De Artes (101 South Santa Rosa).  This event is free and open to the public. Plan your trip with VIA.

The exhibit will be on display until March 7, 2027. Centro de Artes is open Wednesday through Friday 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and on the weekends from 12-5 p.m. Learn more at the Centro de Artes website.