Artist discusses exhibit

(Courtesy photo/Albert Villegas)

By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS

If patrons view the current art exhibit at the San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum and they leave with a feeling that the faith-based works are “unfinished,” then the artist has accomplished her goal.

The canvases that measure nearly 50×60 inches are grand in size, so the crowns that are half done are evident to the eye. Furthermore, there are colors missing where black pencil marks stand out even more.
The viewer gets a sense something is not right, and for the artist Mitch D’arte, this is “faith that is disappearing.”

It’s part of an exhibit entitled, “Vestigios de lo Sagrado” that has been on display for the first time ever to the public since Feb. 8.

Last Saturday, D’arte also agreed to partake in an interview with San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum Director Aleida Garcia in front of an audience – another first for her.

“On all the art, there are parts that are not missing, but rather not painted so the viewer will see it one of two ways – it’s complete or incomplete. When someone asks me if I’m going to finish the pieces, that tells me where they are in their faith. Again, it’s going back to, is what is being viewed complete or incomplete.”
D’arte, 57, said she doesn’t consider herself as a religious person or deeply rooted in the Catholic faith, but her mother, Margarita Garza, was.

Her grandmother and great-grandmother were even more religious. But for everything their ancestors placed in their faith, their offspring, for the most part, aren’t.

Although D’arte was baptized and raised Catholic, she doesn’t have any children, and some of her nephews have not received communion.

“My mother was religious so I produce religious artwork because it reminds me of her; she was 69 when she passed away so she was relatively young,” said D’arte, who expressed her deep sorrows through the art. “My grandmother and great-grandmother were even more religious than her, so the exhibit is how we’re losing that (faith) as they generations go.”

Some of the art produced in the past four years are acrylic on canvas and have names such as “Our Lady of the Scapular,” “Immaculate Heart,” “The Assumption,” “Our Lady of Sorrows” and “Two Virgins.”
D’arte is an educator-turned-artist whom, for the first time in her life since she retired in May 2024, has an exhibit that is being showcased publicly anywhere.

A native of Hidalgo and its school system, D’arte began to teach art to students in 1991, but it was D’arte’s personal life that inspired her to produce art on canvas.

There is a serene mood when one enters the museum, and the interior lights are dimmed to make the art pieces stands out.

Director Garcia urges citizens to view the art.

“We are committed to bringing meaningful and thought-provoking exhibitions to our community – exhibitions that spark dialogue, challenge perspectives, and, above all, connect us to the stories that define who we are,” Garcia said.

She said this exhibition was a year in the making, and throughout that time, she, Museum Coordinator Joaquin Castillo, and Museum Administrative Assistant, Jose Carlos, Jr. have worked closely with D’arte.
“We’ve invited her to engage with our space, discussing her process, and gaining insight into the philosophy behind her work, Garcia said. “Her work challenges us to reflect, to remember, and to find meaning in the sacred symbols that shape our cultural and personal identities.”

“Vestigios de lo Sagrado” is showing through April 19 at the San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum, 250 E. Heywood Street, in San Benito.

Museum hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Fridays 10 a.m. -1 p.m.

The following are titles of the canvases on display: “The Holy Infant of Atocha” (2024) – acrylic on canvas; “Relic II” (2025) – mixed media assemblage; “Relix X” (2025) – mixed media assemblage; “Madonna I” (2010) – acrylic on canvas; “Relic IV” (2025) – mixed media assemblage; “You Are the Crown” (2024) – acrylic on canvas; “Relic V” (2025) – mixed media assemblage; “Immaculate Heart II” – acrylic on canvas; “Holy Child” (2024) – acrylic on canvas; “Relic VI” (2025) – mixed media assemblage; “St. Joseph” (2023) – acrylic on canvas; “Our Lady of the Scapular” (2024) – acrylic on canvas; “Relic VII” (2025) – mixed media assemblage; “Immaculate Heart” (2024) – acrylic on canvas; “The Assumption” (2024) – acrylic on canvas; “Our Lady of Sorrows” (2024) – acrylic on canvas; “Mother of Mage” (circa 2010) – acrylic on canvas; “Relic VIII” (2025) – mixed media assemblage; “Christ of Mage” (circa 2010) – acrylic on canvas; “Two Virgins” (circa 2021) – acrylic on canvas; “Our Lady of the Rosary” (2024) – acrylic on canvas; Relic I (2025) – mixed media coverage; “Relic II” (2025) – mixed media assemblage; “Humility” (2024) – acrylic on canvas; “The Assumption of the Virgin de Guadalupe” (2024) – acrylic on canvas; “Relic III” (2025) – mixed media assemblage; “Madonna II” (circa 2015) – acrylic on canvas; and “Mother’s Love” (2024) – acrylic on canvas.