Calexico Opens “Women in the Arts 2026” Exhibition

-Editorial 

The Calexico Recreation Department and the Carmen Durazo Cultural Arts Center hosted the opening of the “Women in the Arts 2026” exhibition on March 17, highlighting the creative work of female artists from across the region and internationally. The event included an opening ceremony with welcoming remarks and recognition of city officials and community leaders.

The exhibition will be open to the public from March 17 through March 26 at the Carmen Durazo Cultural Arts Center located at 421 Heffernan Avenue. 

The show features 101 works by 55 female artists from Calexico, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial, Brawley, Westmorland, Somerton, Yuma, Mexicali, and the Czech Republic. Media on display include paintings, drawings, mosaics, sculptures, embroidery, video, and photography.

Lizbeth Cordova, a Calexico native and participant in the exhibition, described her work on display. “I studied a year and a half in a complete photography diploma program, and these are the photos I’m exhibiting now,” she said. I selected three photos, two edited in Photoshop using double exposure, and one self-portrait created entirely with in-camera double exposure.”

Valeria Rodriguez of El Centro shared the inspiration behind her work in the exhibition. “I was inspired by older people and how they create embroidery, and how this art continues to survive,” she said.

In addition to the visual art, the opening program included performances by the Calexico Recreation Department’s folkloric dance groups under instructor Socorro Mendiola. Recreation Manager Norma Gerardo said community interest in the exhibition has grown in recent years, reflecting increasing support for female artists and cultural programming in the region.

The exhibition will remain open to the public at the Carmen Durazo Cultural Arts Center, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to engage with diverse artistic perspectives during the remainder of women’s month.