When the Institute of Texan Cultures reopens in early 2026 at Frost Tower, visitors will be welcomed by a treasured piece from the UTSA Art Collection: A Plaza in Texas in the 1930s by renowned Chicana narrative artist Carmen Lomas Garza.

Commissioned by UTSA in 2015, this detailed painting is full of life—musicians playing, couples dancing, children running, vendors calling out their goods, and neighbors stopping to chat under the Texas sun. Lomas Garza makes the scene come alive with her signature monitos—the “little figures” inspired by her own memories of growing up in South Texas.

“Carmen Lomas Garza’s A Plaza in Texas in the 1930s captures the richness of the state’s cultural heritage. The UTSA Art Collection is honored to share her work in the inaugural exhibition of the Institute of Texan Cultures’ newest space,” said Arturo Infante Almeida, Curator, UTSA Art Collection.

Born in Kingsville, Texas, in 1948, and inspired by the Chicano Movement, Lomas Garza portrays everyday moments of Mexican American life with warmth, humanity, and a strong sense of place. In this scene, as in much of her work, family, tradition, and community are front and center—resonating perfectly with the spirit of the ITC’s new exhibit floor.

“This work is more than just a beautiful scene; it’s a cornerstone of the exhibit’s central theme and a vital inclusion in the reopening exhibit serving as a powerful visual anchor within the thematic section Celebrating Community,” said ITC Head Curator Bianca Alvarez. She added, “Through its depiction of communal life, A Plaza in Texas in the 1930s affirms the significance of cultural memory and shared experience, offering a lens through which viewers can see Texas as a microcosm of our global community.”

Its influence has already impacted more than just the exhibit’s content. The energy and vibrancy of A Plaza in Texas in the 1930s helped inspire the design of the museum’s main gallery.

“This piece powerfully represents the beauty of everyday life in Texas. It celebrates the many ways that Texans create a sense of community. We are excited for visitors to find details that resonate with their own experiences,” said Monica Perales, ITC Associate Vice Provost.

And this is just the beginning. A Plaza in Texas in the 1930s will be the first in a rotating series of works from the UTSA Art Collection showcased at the ITC.

When the ITC’s doors open again, this plaza will be waiting for you—alive with music, laughter, and the stories that define Texas.