Join us for an afternoon art platica with Tortilla Press whose exhibition Familia-r: The Vaquera/x/o Through A Mexican-American Lens is currently on view in our galeria. Tortilla Press will be joined in conversation with poet Maria Esquinca.

Familia-r is a larger reflection of Michael's identity as a Mexican-American Orphan, having been part of the Vaquera/x/o community since his birth until his placement in foster care—Michael has now returned to his familia-r homeland after 15 years of being ripped away (from his culture, language, sombrero) and has worked to not just document, but also build community with the leaders that have continued to keep the sacred practices of Latina/x/o horse riding alive. 

As the Latina/x/o diaspora currently fights its way through another horrific chapter of colonial history, this collection highlights the community, adrenaline, and tenderness of the Vaquera/x/o in the colonial landscape——as we swing both arms, all four hooves, and intentionally create with our communities to preserve our knowledges for the next generation of Brown horse riders.

María Esquinca is a Xicana educator, poet and journalist. A fronteriza, she was born in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico and grew up in El Paso, Texas. She currently teaches newcomers who are recent immigrants at San Francisco International High School. Her debut collection, “Where Heaven Sinks” was the 2024 Andres Montoya Poetry Prize winner, and was selected by Juan Felipe Herrera.