The Ontario Museum of History & Art will present Mission Gráfica: Reflecting a Community in Print and a companion exhibit, Centered in Ink: Printmaking in the Inland Empire starting on  Thursday, Jan. 9 with a community reception on Saturday, Jan. 11.

Mission Gráfica: Reflecting a Community in Print is a touring exhibition developed in partnership with the San Francisco Public Library that features dozens of screenprints from Mission Gráfica, a community print center of diversity and cultural ferment in San Francisco. Founded in 1982 as part of the Mission Cultural Center, Mission Gráfica became the most sought-after political poster center in the Bay Area in the 1980s. Designed to capture attention on the street, the posters urged political action as well as celebrated culture and life.

This exhibition reflects a variety of styles, approaches, and sensibilities from non-professional and emerging artists to well-known figures such as Carmen Lomas Garza, Nancy Hom, Rupert Garcia, Mildred Howard, Jean La Marr, Ester Hernandez, Michael Roman, and the San Francisco Print Collective. The exhibition will explore themes of US Imperialism, gender inequality and women’s empowerment, cultural celebrations, Indigenous America, and more, many of which continue to resonate today.

Ontario Museum of History & Art

Domi (Domitilda Ramirez), Untitled. Printer: Jos Sances,
1986. Screenprint, 21¼” x 18¼”. Photo: Robert
Hsiang

The companion exhibition, Centered in Ink: Printmaking in the Inland Empire, will showcase a diverse array of printmakers and screen printers of the Inland Empire who employ their artistic skills to address pressing community issues and ignite conversations that resonate deeply with viewers. The artists delve into thought-provoking themes such as identity, activism, and environmental awareness, using their printmaking practices to create powerful visual statements. Artists participating include Briar Rosa, Adam Aguilar, L.Akinyi, Micah Amaro, BA Soul, Kenia Cruz, Cesar Garcia, Jorge Heredia, Duan Kellum, Stephanie Lagos, Eduardo Raul Muñoz-Villagaña, Erick Revollo-Paz, and Sarah Vazquez.

 “These exhibitions invite audiences to explore the unique narratives embedded in each artwork and witness the profound impact that these creative expressions have on our shared community,”  Samantha Herrera, Curator of Exhibits said in a press release.  “Visitors will encounter a rich tapestry of artistic styles and techniques in this captivating display, each piece brimming with intention and meaning. Come be inspired by the innovative visions and heartfelt messages that these talented artists bring to life through their prints.”

The Mission Gráfica and Centered in Ink exhibitions will run through Sunday, March 9, and are free and for all ages. To learn more visit OntarioMuseum.org/CurrentExhibitions.

Ontario Museum of History & Art

Harry Eugene Fonseca, 10th Annual American Indian
Film Festival, Printer: Jos Sances, 1985. Screenprint, 29″
x 21″. Photo: Robert Hsiang