ABOUT OSO BAY
Celebrating South Texas Art Since 1979
The Oso Bay Biennial has showcased exceptional artists across 23+ iterations, establishing itself as a cornerstone of contemporary art in South Texas. Hosted by Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, the biennial brings nationally recognized exhibitions to our community, making significant contemporary art accessible to all.Our Mission
We believe art builds community, celebrates cultural identity, and connects people across boundaries. Through thoughtfully curated exhibitions, educational programming, and community partnerships, the Oso Bay Biennial creates opportunities for dialogue, discovery, and cultural celebration.
Oso Bay Biennial XXIV: Soy de Tejas
This iteration represents our most prestigious exhibition to date—a nationally acclaimed survey of contemporary Texas Latinx art. Opening September 2026 during Hispanic Heritage Month, Soy de Tejas marks the inaugural exhibition in TAMU-CC's new downtown gallery, removing barriers and welcoming our entire community to experience art that reflects our regional identity.
Free admission. Open to all.
ABOUT SOY de TEJAS
Soy de Tejas: A South Texas Survey of Latinx Art
Soy de Tejas (I Am From Texas) celebrates the vibrant voices of contemporary Texas Latinx artists exploring identity, place, and Chicanx experience. This nationally significant exhibition showcases artists who are shaping conversations about culture, belonging, and what it means to be Texan.
The Exhibition
Originally curated by Rigoberto Luna and featured at California's Riverside Art Museum in partnership with Cheech Marin, Soy de Tejas has garnered national attention for its powerful representation of Texas Latinx artistic excellence. Glasstire, Texas's leading contemporary art publication, extensively covered the exhibition, noting its importance in "connecting Latinx artists across the state." Now, this extraordinary exhibition comes home to South Texas, where 65% of our community shares this cultural heritage.
The Curator: Rigoberto Luna
Rigoberto Luna is a San Antonio-based independent curator, arts advocate, and co-founder of Presa House Gallery, a vital platform for contemporary art in San Antonio's Southtown Arts District. Luna originated Soy de Tejas: A Statewide Survey of Latinx Art with a vision to amplify Latinx artistic voices and create connections across Texas's diverse creative communities.
Luna's curatorial philosophy emphasizes what Glasstire described as "curating community care"—an approach that prioritizes authentic representation, artist support, and creating exhibitions that resonate deeply with the communities they serve. This commitment makes him ideally suited to bring Soy de Tejas to Corpus Christi, where the exhibition can connect with the majority-Latinx community it was created to celebrate and serve.
Through Luna's vision, Soy de Tejas transcends traditional gallery exhibitions, becoming a celebration of cultural identity, a platform for artistic excellence, and a testament to the richness of Texas Latinx creative expression.
Why Corpus Christi
In a majority-Latinx city, Soy de Tejas offers our community a rare opportunity to see cultural experiences reflected in professionally curated contemporary art. For many Corpus Christi residents who face barriers to major museums in San Antonio, Houston, or Austin, this exhibition brings nationally significant art directly to our downtown. Luna's community-centered curatorial approach ensures the exhibition honors our region's cultural identity while introducing our community to some of Texas's most compelling contemporary artists.
The Artists
Featured artists represent diverse practices across painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and installation. Each voice contributes to a larger conversation about Latinx identity in contemporary Texas.
See Exhibition Details
Oso Bay Biennial XXIV: Soy de Tejas
PROGRAMMING
OPENING WEEK
September 3 - 5, 2026
- Thursday, September 3, 5-7pm Weil Gallery
- Friday, September 4, 5-7pm Larry Urban Gallery
- Saturday, September 5, TBD Larry Urban Gallery
Artist Talks, Demonstrations, Workshops
Riso-Rama
Riso-Rama.comRiso-Rama is an independent publishing event that brings together printers, artists, and students to celebrate Riso printing and its vibrant creative community.
October 2 - Nov 13, 2026
- Friday, October 2, Opening Day, 5-9pm
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Saturday, October 3, Community Day, Times TBD
Panel Discussion, Fair, DJ, Demos and Workshop, Family Weekend at TAMU-CC
VISIT THE EXHIBITION
Two Locations | Free Admission
Larry Urban Gallery
September 3, 2026 - February 6, 2027233 N. Chaparral Street
In the heart of Corpus Christi's downtown
Wednesday - Saturday 11am-5pm
Weil Gallery
September 3, 2026 - January 29, 2027Center for the Arts Building, 1st Floor, TAMU-CC
6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
Monday – Friday, 10am-5pm
FEATURED ARTISTS
Cande Aguilar
Land of Peace
Snacks Cocas Aguas Tostadas con Chile
Cash Chair
Fernando Andrade
Pastel de Piña y Mango
Pinata de Piolin
Patsy
Pastel de Durazno
Los Muppets
Piñata de Joan
Pastel de Fresa
Pastel de Cereza
Primer Cumpleanos
Melissa Gamez-Herrera
Adentro de la casa de Tonantzín Nava de Allende, Coahuila, MX
Tonantzín Nava de Allende, Coahuila, MX
Norma Villa de Cd. Acuña, COAH, MX
Afuera de la casa de Angelica Hernández, Piedras Negras, Coahuila, MX
Adentro de la casa de Enriqueta Perez, Cd. Acuña, COAH, MX
Consuelo Hernández, Piedras Negras, COAH, MX
Camerina Mariano, Piedras Negras, COAH, MX
Guadalupe Lara Castellano, Acuña, COAH, MX
Adentro de la casa de Consuelo Hernández, Piedras Negras, COAH MX
A Sticker of Fernando Purón, Juanita Velásquez de Piedras Negras, COAH, MX
Adentro de la casa de Camerina Mariano, Piedras Negras, COAH, MX
Omar González
Lineage (diptych)
Fatherly Dilemma
Ruben Luna
El Baile de Rico y Lola
Pon la Sillas Juntas
Alejandro Macias
Man on Fire III
Ascension III
Turning Point
Juan de Dios Mora
Mano Que Alimenta Se Respeta
!Ya Basta Con La Rabia!
Canícula
Jaylen Pigford
And the arrow isn't done yet
The little white flag
Josué Rawmírez
American Bust
Portrait of a Gentrifier
Gentrified House 1
Gentrified House 2
Natalia Rocafuerte
Three Dreams
Gil Rocha
Otras Fronteras
Esto Cala
2 Lugar
Eva Marengo Sanchez
Enchilada Plate To-Go
Dad's Still life
Ashley Elaine Thomas
Candles (Triptych)
Window View on John Street
José Villalobos
QueeRider: Joto
QueeRider: Maricon
QueeRider: Fem
Sarah Zapata
Towards an ominous time II
How often they move between the planets