By JOAQUIN CASTILLO
City of San Benito
Museum Coordinator
The City of San Benito Cultural Arts Department (CAD) announced its upcoming group exhibition held at the San Benito Cultural Center (SBCC) on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
The opening reception for Mixta Cultura is being held at SBCC, located at 225 E. Stenger St., San Benito, from 5:30-8:30.
Mixta Cultura reflects the San Benito CAD’s ongoing mission to build and sustain connections within the arts community across the region and with its cultural and artistic leaders.
This debut collaboration with Cactus Valley Art’s (CVA) Souther Recio, Guest Curator, features a survey of works by artists connected to both the borderlands/RGV and CVA’s role as an experimental art space for nearly three years.
Mixta Cultura is showcased at the San Benito Cultural Center from March 21 to June 27, 2026, exploring the stigmas around mental health, as well as the importance of home, place-making, and life in the Rio Grande Valley.
Souther Recio, a Brownsville native, spent ten years working between Houston and Austin, earning a BA in Theater Design from St. Edward’s University and contributing to professional theater productions and film projects across the state.
After years of experience across creative industries, Recio returned to the Rio Grande Valley and opened Cactus Valley Art in October 2023, establishing a locally rooted alternative to large-scale art supply stores.
Situated in Harlingen’s Historic Downtown District, CVA functions as a small, independently owned art supply store dedicated to carefully selected materials and ethically sourced brands.
At the center of the space is an alternative exhibition venue that hosts an active lineup of shows and public programs.
It has quickly become a hub for community gathering, creative exchange, and accessible opportunities for people to share their work.
“My name may be in the lease at Cactus Valley Art,” explains Souther Recio, “but this space belongs to the community. Mixta Cultura is the culmination of that community, the art they create, and the story of what it means to exist here in the RGV.”
Mixta Cultura represents the peak of this community-driven momentum.
The exhibition showcases the work of CVA artists past and present, along with others creating and exhibiting artwork across the region.
In response to Recio’s open call to CVA alumni, the exhibition showcases vibrant work across various media, including painting, sculpture, installation, and interactive pieces.
“A strong cultural landscape depends on more than institutions alone,” said Aleida Garcia, Director of the City of San Benito Cultural Arts Department. “It requires independent spaces that nurture emerging talent and expand access to exhibition opportunities. By supporting spaces like Cactus Valley Art, we’re investing in the next generation of artists and strengthening the creative future of the Rio Grande Valley.”
Together, these artists explore themes of gender, border narratives, identity, mental health, and women’s rights.
The result is a layered reflection of the issues shaping our communities today. Seen as a whole, the exhibition resonates with viewers, connecting personal experiences with collective conversations.
The exhibition is on display through June 27, 2026.
The Cultural Center is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guided tours are available during the entire exhibition.
Virtual programming, including video presentations, interviews, and exhibition walkthroughs, are shared via the Cultural Arts Department’s social media channels.
The San Benito Cultural Center is at 225 E. Stenger St., San Benito. For more details, call 956-658-8493 or follow @sanbenitoCULTURALARTS on Facebook and @sb_cultural_arts on Instagram.
