Enriching Students’ educational journeys

Espejo Cultural Exchange Program

In Fall of 2024, Alamo Colleges will host students representing the consortium institutions from Querétaro to experience art, leadership, and cultural development experiences in San Antonio.

Purpose of the Espejo Cultural Exchange

Queretaro Travel

The purpose of this exchange is to provide five outstanding students from the Alamo Colleges District with the opportunity to immerse in the arts and culture of Querétaro, Mexico, coinciding with the grand opening of the "Al Otro Lado del Espejo" exhibit at the Museo de Arte de Querétaro.

This cultural exchange aims to celebrate and promote global competence and multiculturalism, focusing on the cultural linkages between San Antonio and Querétaro. Students will engage with the works of renowned San Antonio artists, explore local artistic expressions of Querétaro, and gain a deeper understanding of the arts scene in San Antonio and its connection with the Alamo Colleges District.

Aligned with the Alamo Colleges Global Learner Pathway, this experience will enhance global competence, foster empathy through diverse cultural connections, and prepare students to become future global citizens in an interconnected world.

The Impact of Art on Student Success and Wellbeing

Six Yellow Conchas

Exposure to diverse forms of art and culture in Querétaro can stimulate students' critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Helps graduates succeed in a globalized workplace, where understanding and collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds are essential.
Creativity and innovative thinking are highly sought after in many industries. The ability to approach problems from unique angles and generate original ideas can give students a competitive edge in their professional endeavors.
Art therapy is highlighted as a powerful tool for mental health. It aids in the treatment of conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression by facilitating emotional expression processing.
Engaging in artistic activities promotes the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

Espejo Exchange Leaders - Alamo Colleges

Alba De Leon, PhD

Professor of Art /International Education Liaison

Isabel Diaz-Breuer

International Programs Coordinator

Featured Program

Sandra Cisneros

“I thought I was Mexican
until I moved to Mexico.”

Born in Chicago and a long time resident of San Antonio, esteemed author and National Medal of Arts recipient Sandra Cisneros moved to San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, MX in 2013. In this talk she explores the surprising adjustments in attitude, life style, corazón and cultura that it takes to embrace being truly Mexican.

1:00 pm, Saturday, Sept 21, 2024
Museo de Arte de Quertétaro

Photo Credit: Keith Dannemiller

Panels and Workshops

All workshops and panels will be held at the Museo de Arte de Querétaro.

September 19

Thursday, September 19, 2024

  • 1:00 pm Why I paint What I Paint - Carolina Flores, Larry Portillo, Andy Villarreal, Kathy Sosa, Alfredo Rodriguez and other participating artists
  • 4:00 pm The Story of Queretaro, San Antonio and the Missions - Jennifer Speed, Ricardo Romo, Terry Ybáñez, Kathy Sosa, Araceli Ardon, Alejandra Bueno

September 20

Friday, September 20, 2024

  • 8:00 pm - Exhibit Opening

September 21

Saturday, September 21, 2024

  • 10:30 am- The Framing of Identity - Terry Ybáñez, Al Rendon, Carolina Flores, Ricky Armendariz
  • 1:00 pm- I thought I was Mexican Until I Moved to Mexico - Sandra Cisneros
  • 4:00 pm- The Power of Art - Krystal Jones, Antonio Arelle, Harriett Romo, Celeste De Luna, Rebecca Simmons, Kathy Sosa, Lionel Sosa
  • 6:00 pm- Latinx Literature Roundtable- Laura Dueñas, Fernando Tamariz, Carlos Campos, Victor Campos

September 22

Sunday, September 22, 2024

  • 10:30 am- Chicano Music - its Origins and Popularity - Laura Dueñas, Carlos Campos, Jacinto Guevara
  • 1:00 pm- Becoming Collectors of Latino Art - Ricardo and Harriett Romo, Cristina Noriega, Lionel Sosa
  • 4:00 pm- Behind the scenes- The making of the Documentary - Alejandro Maya, Jorge Conde, Rodrigo Conde, Alex Rivard, Lionel Sosa

Premier Sponsorship Partners

Melissa & Charles Barrett
City of San Antonio
Heller Family Foundation

Academic Partner

City of San Antonio

Sponsorship Partners

Valero Energy
Bank of America
KLRN TV
San Antonio International Airport
Cecilia & Frank Herrera
The McNay Art Museum
Ruiz-Healy Art
San Angel Folk Art
San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Museo de Arte de Querétaro
Amigos del Museo de Arte de Querétaro
Voluntariado Docente - Museo de Arte de Querétaro
Estado de Querétaro - Secretaría de Cultura
Estado de Querétaro