Cxltura 2024
Co-Curated by Liz Gonzalez (ZELANZOGZIL) & Zitro
Cxltura 2024 was born from a desire to uplift artists who, like us, are still finding their way—emerging creatives seeking not just visibility but also validation. This show wasn’t just about providing a platform to exhibit work—it was about creating a space where artists feel seen, represented, and heard.
This was our first time curating a full-scale gallery show from the ground up, and we’re proud of what we built. In collaboration with Kansas City artist Zitro, we envisioned a welcoming, inclusive environment that reflects the community we want to continue growing. My own journey into the art world started by taking space in galleries where I didn’t always feel I belonged. With Cxltura 2024, I wanted to offer that transformative first-gallery experience to a new generation of artists—many of whom are just beginning their own creative journeys.
With support from Mattie Rhodes Center (who generously provided the gallery space), we took full control of the marketing, curation, and promotion. The result was a vibrant, community-centered show that welcomed over 300 attendees. The night came alive with live folkloric dance performances by Grupo Folklorico Alma Tapatia and music by DJ PK, further rooting the show in culture and celebration.
We are deeply grateful to the artists who trusted us with their work and to the sponsors who believed in our vision. Sponsors included:
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EZ Lettering
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Franco Designs
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DJ PK
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Ollama
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Grupo Folklorico Alma Tapatia
Cxltura 2024 was more than just an exhibition—it was a full-circle moment, the beginning of something much larger than us.
CXLTURA PARTE II: AUGUST 1ST 2025
Curated by ZELANZOGZIL & Charlie
What began as a grassroots vision in 2024—an effort to give overlooked and emerging artists a platform—has now become an official part of the Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center’s exhibition calendar. Curated by Liz Gonzalez (ZELANZOGZIL) and Charlie, Cxltura is more than just an art show—it’s a celebration of culture, identity, and community.
A Show for Artists and Culture
Liz and Charlie set out on a mission to create an exhibit where every artist feels welcomed, heard, and seen. Whether it’s artists sharing the cultures they love and thrive in, or bringing attention to the struggles their communities face—Cxltura is a space for truth, connection, and belonging. This is a place for you.
Breaking Records in 2025
This year marks a huge milestone for Cxltura—for the first time ever, the show features 40 artists and nearly 100 pieces of artwork. Each piece carries a story, a voice, and a message. It’s our biggest, boldest, and most powerful exhibit yet.
From First-Time Curators to Community Leaders
The inaugural Cxltura 2024 show was a full-circle moment. It was the first time we curated a gallery-level exhibition from scratch, and we did it all—from artist outreach and marketing, to event planning and curation. With over 300 attendees and performances that celebrated our culture, it was more than an exhibit—it was a movement.
Now, as an official Mattie Rhodes exhibition, Cxltura continues to grow with purpose and passion.
You're Invited: Cxltura 2025
Opening Night: August 1st
6 PM – 9 PM
Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center
Come experience the energy and power of Cxltura!
Enjoy:
- Special Menu from Sweet cups rolled ice cream
- Food by sugarskullgrill
- Special Drink Menu by Ollama
- DJ sets by Mztekcah
- Local vendors, community, and culture
Nuestra Tierra: Here and There
Co-Curated by Zelaznogzil and Artists - September 2025
Set to open at the Zhou B Art Center in collaboration with the Oh Art Foundation, Nuestra Tierra: Here and There explores bicultural identity through the eyes of nine Mexican-American artists. Running from September 19 to November 14, 2025, the show reflects on heritage, identity, and the space between “here” and “there.”
The concept was born from The Olmec Trails, a 2024 project that united Mexican-descended artists in Chicago. From that experience, our artist collective was formed—committed to continuing the conversation through community and art.
While all nine of us are co-curating, Arsenio and I have taken the lead on organizing—handling design, sponsor packages, scheduling, and keeping everything moving. It’s been a true collaboration powered by passion and shared purpose. I created and manage the exhibition’s social media accounts and designed the official website—developing the layout, visual branding, and content. The site features artist bios, linked social media profiles, and key event information to help promote the show and highlight each participating artist.
Blending traditional Mexican muralism with contemporary practices, the show features nearly 100 works that express the layered stories of first- to third-generation Mexican-American life. Through artist talks, workshops, and community events, Nuestra Tierra invites viewers into a vibrant cultural dialogue rooted in belonging, expression, and connection.
For more information please visit: www.nuestratierrashow.com