(Courtesy photo)
By TRINA “INDI” JOHNSON
Special to the NEWS
The San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum has opened a call for entries for its upcoming group exhibition, Castilian Roses, scheduled for December, inviting artists across the Rio Grande Valley to contribute works inspired by La Virgen de Guadalupe.
The biennial show will be on view from Dec. 4, 2025, through Jan. 10, 2026, at 250 E. Heywood St.
Artists from multiple disciplines are encouraged to apply, from filmmakers and performance artists to painters, sculptors, writers and poets. The open call period allows for a wide variety of perspectives, ensuring each edition of the show takes on a distinctive character.
“The Castilian Roses in December exhibition aligns closely with the mission of the San Benito Cultural Arts Department and the Cultural Heritage Museum by showcasing the deep connection between artists and their locality,” said Aleida Garcia, City of San Benito Cultural Arts Department Director.
“Through their work, artists reflect on our environment, our history, and the current climate of the region. This exhibition is particularly significant because it focuses on La Virgen de Guadalupe—a cultural and spiritual icon whose image has carried meaning across generations. It provides a unique opportunity to highlight the remarkable talents of local artists, effectively serving as a survey of creative voices working in the Rio Grande Valley.”
Garcia noted that the range of submissions in past years has been striking. “We anticipate a diverse range of submissions, as our region is home to filmmakers, performance artists, mosaic and stained-glass artisans, sculptors, painters, photographers, illustrators, creative writers, and poets. In past years, this exhibition has revealed a wide range of interpretations. Some of which have been traditional and representational, others playful or abstract, and still others that drew on the pre-Columbian roots of La Virgen de Guadalupe. Each iteration brings forth a common thread that emerges organically, creating a collective story we could not have anticipated.”
The exhibition has grown into a touchstone for both emerging and established artists. “Many of our dedicated artists return year after year, and we look forward to welcoming them again alongside new participants whose voices will continue to expand and enrich the exhibition,” Garcia said. “Opening the call ensures that the show remains dynamic, inclusive, and ever evolving. This exhibition has proven to be a miraculous mystery that never fails to inspire.”
Garcia emphasized that the show is designed to resonate with both participants and audiences. “Ultimately, we hope visitors leave with a renewed sense of connection to the cultural heritage of our region. True to our mission, the exhibition offers an authentic experience in art and culture, one that fosters reflection, appreciation, and pride in the shared narratives of San Benito and the Rio Grande Valley.”
Prospect requests may be made by emailing Joaquin Castillo, museum coordinator, at jocastillo@cityofsanbenito.com.
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