Business Spotlight – Mexican Heritage Center

Our Mission is your Heritage

The mission of the Mexican Heritage Center and Gallery, Inc. is to educate and to promote art and culture for current and future generations.

Since 1998, the Mexican Heritage Center and Gallery, has been a pioneer in bringing Mexican visual and performing arts to the Stockton community. The Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery continues to enrich the community with art, culture, and educational programs. Dedicated artists, educators, and interested members of the community volunteer their time, and work together to educate the public of the rich tradition, heritage and culture of Mexico.

Activities

Some of the many activities that the Mexican Heritage Center and Gallery sponsors and celebrates include: monthly art exhibits by local artists, traditional Mexican holidays such as the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), which include ofrendas (altars) created by members of the community for their loved ones that have passed. The Day of the Dead is celebrated by hosting a street fiesta where a diverse community comes together to enjoy a variety of vendors, art, music, and food.

During the month of December, Nativity scenes are exhibited each year by members of the community. Poetry readings, symposiums, and art workshops also take place. Hands on workshops on the art of making tamales, and guacamole for the soul, are popular activities. The Mexican Heritage Center and Gallery continues to expand it's activities to include the teaching of art to elementary school children in low-income areas.

Fundraisers

Annual fundraising events the Mexican Heritage Center and Gallery sponsors, are the Cesar Chavez Breakfast in honor of Cesar Chavez, and the Adelita Awards. The Adelita Awards recognize 3 Latina women who have succeeded in spite of the many obstacles they may have encountered throughout their lives. Sopas de Amor in the month of February, is a popular fundraising event where people get to taste as many as 15 soups made by local Mexican Restaurants.

The Mexican Heritage Center and Gallery has received recognition from the California State Legislature, United States House of Representatives, and local entities for bringing cultural awareness to the City and County of San Joaquin. Since 2014, it has been voted the winner for the Best Gallery in the Stockton Record contest.