Celebrate People's History: Latin America and the Art of Protest. OPENS Wed FEB 25 at 4pm

Announced on: Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026

If you knew more about how social movements have triumphed in the past, would it shift how you imagine the future? Would it shape how you see your own role in the world, or the power of collective memory?

Guest curator Dr. Hannah Burdette, Museum Director Dr. William Nitzky, and Museum Studies graduate student, Erika Rohr in collaboration with the Justseeds Artists' Cooperative, Chico State students, and local artists, present the exhibition Celebrate People's History: Latin America and the Art of Protest. The show presents different forms of creative expression that advance struggles for social change in Latin America and beyond. The art of protest connects people's history and public history as a natural tool for political organizing.

The exhibition opens when protests in the United States and around the world are on the rise. From the Mexican Revolution in the early 20th century to ICE protests today, artists have led the way with powerful slogans and evocative images that challenge the powers that be and persuade many to join their cause.

Also featured in the exhibition is local artist Brandon Hernandez, whose woodblock printmaking tells stories of immigration interwoven with family history and mythology. Local collective, Pedal Press and their signature bicycle press can be found at local protests and at this show. Chico State art students Shasta Partain and Mallory Finney employ stone lithography and linocut techniques to present works on issues of gun violence and confinement. A selection of indigenous hip- hop music videos gives further shape to the ways in which artistic expression tells stories of injustice and can sing other worlds into existence.

Whether hand-carved, pixel printed, or vocalized, art has the power to amplify and disseminate people's stories and help communities find agency to enact change. We invite you to explore these stories of social justice in Latin America and to contemplate the power of art and activism to build new realities. The exhibit will be open through fall 2026.