(Seguin) — The Seguin Public Library is set to become the first home of “Our Town Seguin,” the newest art exhibit that captures the city’s history through the lens of its communities of color. That’s according to Dr. Yvonne De La Rosa, executive director of Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin.
De La Rosa says the exhibit is among those being made possible through a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant along with a partnership among Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin, the city of Seguin, the Seguin Public Library, and Seguin Main Street.
She says the collaboration is one of only three projects in Texas — and just 57 nationwide — to receive NEA funding in 2023.
“The unification of these three profoundly significant art installations has been over two years in the making, and I am overjoyed to witness this vision come to life,” said De La Rosa. “When I sat down to write the grant alongside my mother, the late Vickie De La Rosa, we dreamed of these works being brought into the very school district where we both taught, served, and held deep affection. As lifelong educators and devoted community members, we understood the transformative power of young people seeing, learning, and connecting with their collective histories through art.”
She says the Our Town Seguin exhibit brings together “three powerful installations” by artists representing the Native American/Indigenous, African American, and Mexican American/Tejano communities. Each artist drew inspiration from the stories of Seguin residents, collected through community pláticas and interviews.
Now, these shared histories will be permanently archived at the Seguin Public Library for future generations.
The exhibit features:
“La Tierra Habla: A Celebration of Mexican American Art, Life, and Enduring Spirit” by Debora Kuetzpal Vasquez
“Roots of Resilience: The African American Experience in Seguin through Art and Legacy” by Howard Crunk
“Echoes of Tradition: Unveiling Indigenous Voice and Visions Tripico of Light” by Ruben Esquivel
Seguin Public Library Director Silvia Christy says hosting Our Town Seguin is both an honor and an opportunity to celebrate the city’s cultural richness.
“We are deeply honored to serve as the inaugural home of the completed Our Town Seguin community project exhibit. Hosting this meaningful display is both a privilege and a celebration of Seguin’s rich cultural heritage, fostering connection, reflection, and pride through the arts,” said Christy. “At the library, we strive to provide a welcoming space where every visitor feels a sense of belonging. This exhibit stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and creativity.”
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Our Town Seguin will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Seguin Public Library. The public is invited to attend the celebration and view the artwork. The exhibit will remain on display through March 26, 2026.
