When the doors opened to the The Border is Beautiful exhibition in Eagle Pass, Texas, it wasn’t just an art show—it was a powerful statement. In celebration of borderland identity, culture, and creativity, the inaugural The Border is Beautiful exhibition brought art, community, and storytelling to the forefront of Eagle Pass, Texas. Organized in partnership with The Eagle Pass Border Coalition (EPBC) , The Eagle Pass Digital Arts Society (EPDAS) and the City of Eagle Pass Art and Culture Center, the exhibition is a love letter to the borderlands, challenging the often negative portrayals of these vibrant communities.
The event, which garnered local and national attention—including a feature on CBS Morning News, NPR, TPR—serves as a reclaiming of border narratives. Highlighting the artistry, history, and duality of living bi-culturally along the U.S.-Mexico border, it has become a rallying point for cultural celebration and community pride.
A Visual Celebration of the Borderlands
Featuring over 40 artists from Texas, Mexico (Coahuila and Tamaulipas), New Mexico, and even New York City, The Border is Beautiful showcases diverse cultural perspectives rooted in Latino and Indigenous traditions. From vivid depictions of the desert landscapes to intimate portraits of border communities, the art captures the beauty and complexity of life in Eagle Pass and similar border towns. The exhibit pays homage to the unique experience of being shaped by two nations while carrying forward the history and resilience of borderland heritage.
The opening night of the exhibition was met with overwhelming support from the community and beyond. Attendees traveled from nearby cities like Del Rio, Laredo, and Brackettville, alongside local residents eager to see themselves represented in the art. Notable figures in attendance included Mayor Rolando Salinas, Jr., Councilman Elias Diaz, and a representative from the Guatemalan Consulate in Del Rio.
Voices of Celebration and Empowerment
Lead organizer and Assistant Director of EPDAS, Yocelyn Riojas, encapsulated the purpose of the event, stating:
The vision of this exhibition was basically a love letter to the borderlands. I believe the media highlights in such negative ways, and this is a way to reclaim our stories, our perspectives, and love for our communities.”
Councilman Elias Diaz reinforced the significance of the exhibition for Eagle Pass, saying:
“To all our artists, we are so incredibly proud of you. We are so incredibly proud to host you, even in such a city event such as this. I often talk about how you don’t have to go anywhere else. We can celebrate here.”
Jessie Fuentes, EPBC Board Member, acknowledged the exhibition’s far-reaching impact, sharing:
“Artists are always looking to be inspired, and believe me, today you helped inspire them for being here. The display will be here for another two months, but it has already been requested to travel to another city.”
National Spotlight on Eagle Pass
The significance of the exhibition transcended local borders when CBS Morning News featured The Border is Beautiful in a segment exploring the complex identity of Eagle Pass as a border town. The feature highlighted the community’s resilience and the role of art in reshaping narratives, amplifying voices, and fostering unity. View the CBS segment here.
Celebrating Borderland Unity and Creativity
This exhibition is more than a display of art; it is a movement to reclaim the borderlands’ narrative, create connections, and inspire change. Through the collaborative efforts of EPBC, EPDAS, and the artists, The Border is Beautiful exemplifies how art can serve as a catalyst for empowerment and community pride.
The exhibition ran from August 1st to September 39th at the Eagle Pass Arts and Culture Center. The City of Eagle Pass has approved for The Border is Beautiful to become an annual bi-national exhibition.