The National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque will present an exhibition featuring artworks created by its staff and partners. The exhibition, titled What We Bring to the Table, opens at the Center’s Visual Art Museum on September 5 and will run through June 7, 2026.
This marks the first time that the Center is displaying art made by its own employees and collaborators. The show includes nearly 40 pieces in various mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography. According to organizers, the exhibition highlights both those with regular creative practices and others who may not identify as artists but are influenced by their work environment at the Center.
“Since the Center opened in 2000, our staff has been the bedrock of all the work we do as an institution,” said National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) Executive Director Zack Quintero. “As we approach our 25th Anniversary celebration in October, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than highlighting the creativity, talent, and dedication of our intrepid team for the public to enjoy.”
The exhibition explores how family, culture, community, and religion influence these works. Staff members often spend their free time creating art outside their regular duties at NHCC. Organizers say this process shapes how they contribute to programming and operations at the Center.
“There is something unique about the community that develops around the Art Museum,” said NHCC Curator hazel batrezchavez. “Artists who are staff members bring their expertise, share their knowledge, and fill in gaps when needed to keep the Center going. This opportunity to showcase our staff’s artwork creates a space of solidarity, recognition, and honoring of their creative craft that has come to inform how they approach their work at the Center.”
A free opening reception will be held on September 5 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., where visitors can meet some of the participating artists. Additional details about What We Bring to the Table and a list of featured artists can be found at nhccnm.org/museum.
The National Hispanic Cultural Center is part of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. It focuses on preserving and promoting Hispanic culture through events related to history, literature, performing arts, and visual arts throughout its campus in Albuquerque.
