New Exhibits at Centro De Artes Celebrate Illustrations in Comics

Published on March 26, 2025

New Exhibits at Centro De Artes Celebrate Illustrations in Books and Comics

SAN ANTONIO (March 26, 2025) – Literary storytelling is brought to life through two concurrent exhibitions, which debut tomorrow at Centro de Artes Gallery in Historic Market Square and run through August 17, 2025. Together, these exhibitions allow visitors to step inside the pages of culturally impactful comics and books.

The public is invited to the opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 27 at Centro de Artes (100 S Santa Rosa). The reception will include a pop-up bookstore by the Guadalupe Latino Bookstore and refreshments by Dorcól Distilling & Brewing Company.

“Literary illustrations often leave a lasting impact, and for many, can serve as their introduction to art itself,” said City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture Director, Krystal Jones. “We’re excited to showcase these illustrative stories that will resonate with generations of San Antonians through the unique lens of books and comics — which are increasingly important to our cultural and historical identities.” 

The first floor showcases Borders, Bleeds, Margins and Gutters — this title represents the terms used to design comic books and the exhibit is curated by Gabe Garcia and Micah Bornstein. 

“By isolating moments in a particular narrative and using those elements to transform a physical space, we attempt to create a new immersive reading experience that communicates something essential about the story the comic is telling,” co-curator Bornstein said. 

The pieces come from eight artists nationwide and use science fiction and realism motifs with the connecting theme of “borders” as they relate to political boundaries, Latinx identities and more.

“There is more inclusivity than ever before, especially compared to the comic and children’s books I grew up reading,” said co-curator Garcia. “Beyond that, comic creators and illustrators are using the medium to engage more diverse audiences in more unconventional avenues such as social and political commentaries, educational texts, YA graphic novels, children’s books, and more.”

The second-floor exhibit is titled, A Thousand Words: The Power of Pictures in Books, and it is curated by Xelena González and Kim Garza Chbeir with work from 17 of the most beloved Latinx artists in the publishing world today. 

“My stories are limited to a thousand words, so I rely heavily on artists to add flesh to the bones of our books,” said co-curator González. “I hope that young people in our community, in particular, can recognize the beauty in their brown skin and in their culture.”

Collectively, the illustrations represent the ever-changing landscape of young people’s literature.

"There were many considerations when selecting the work, color, theme, and style, but essentially, I imagined the characters coming to life and interacting, creating new stories in each other's environments,” co-curator Garza Chbeir said. “I hope that after experiencing A Thousand Words, the audience is inspired to create, tell stories, and support the critical role of art in education."

Together, both exhibitions allow visitors to imagine themselves immersed in the colorful worlds created by the illustrators.