Historians — those who study the past, speak through the present, and sense the future — reimagine what once was to better understand the now. 

Omar Soto, often known as a photographer, is also a visual historian — someone who pieces together memory, myth, and material. Drawing inspiration from Renaissance painting, Omar recreates narratives using found objects with familiar faces from their *QTBIPOC community.  

Their work bends time. It becomes a conversation between the classical and the contemporary, where the surreal turns into sanctuary, and each photograph opens a portal to both resistance and reverence. 

Join us for a hands-on photography and collage workshop with Omar Soto, presented by How I Became an Artista in collaboration with thems. Participants will be invited to reinterpret classical art through the lens of their own modern lives — using props, collage, and visual storytelling to insert themselves into the frame. 

Saturday, June 21, 2025 
11 am – 1 pm 
@Afternoon Studios 

This program is part of “Life Without Pain, Love Without Fear” Queer Photo Exhibition hosted by thems. This exhibition will explore themes of migration within the queer community, highlighting personal, intergenerational, and communal stories of movement and transformation. Items made in this HIBAA can be featured in the exhibition opening on the evening of June 21st at Afternoons Studio.

* QTBIPOC - Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color 

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Lxs historiadores— aquellos que estudian el pasado, hablan del presente, e intuyen el futuro — reimaginan lo que alguna vez fue para así comprender el ahora.  

Omar Soto, mejor conocidx como fotografx, es tambien un historiadxr visual — alguien que acomoda memoria, mito y material. Inspiradx por pintura Renacentista, Omar recrea narrativas usando objetos encontrados con caras familiares de su comunidad *QTBIPOC.  

Su trabajo dobla el tiempo. Se vuelve una conversación entre lo clásico y lo contemporáneo, donde lo surreal se convierte en santuario, y cada fotografía abre un portal a ambas resistencia y reverencia. 

Acompáñanos para un taller de fotografía y collage con Omar Soto, presentado por How I Became an Artista en colaboración con thems. Lxs participantes serán invitados a reinterpretar arte clásico a través del lente de sus vidas modernas – utilizando props, collage y narración visual para así ser parte del marco.  

Sabado, June 21, 2025 
11 am – 1 pm 
@Afternoon Studios 

Este programa es parte de “Life Without Pain, Love Without Fear” exhibición de fotografía queer presentado por thems. Esta exhibición explorara temas de migración entre la comunidad queer, destacando historias personales, intergeneracionales, y comunales de movimiento y transformación. Piezas hechas en este HIBAA pueden ser presentadas en la apertura de exhibición en la tarde del 21 de junio en Afternoons Studio. 

* QTBIPOC - Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color 

See you at CASA CALA! We're excited to announce the opening of our new home!

All ages event - join us for creative conversation, music, eats and coffee provided in thanks to @cafetal coffee 

Enjoy Free Live screen printing by ThereSpace! Bring any t-shirt, tote, or 12x12” fabric scrap to craft your own CALA merch! Or buy a shirt here and have your own CALA design printed on-site!

Meet our two newest artists in residence as they prepare for the Summer and Fall Residency cycles. 

Family friendly event for the community. Show up anytime, stay and chat with us! 

RSVP HERE

Mother, Water, Life. 
Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Rio Salado Audubon Center in the company of family, friends, and community, and experience their current exhibition Agua Es Vida. 

With support from El Laboratorio, CALA invites you to a watercolor practice by the river—an opportunity to explore free-flowing techniques inspired by the natural world. 

Additional programming: 
Carving Pathways — a performance by Delia Ibañez, Zakiya Johnson, and Israel Solomon 
Water Ofrenda — an installation by Estephania Gonzalez 

Madre, Agua, Vida. 
Celebra el Dia de las Madres en el Rio Salado Audubon Center en compañía de familia, amigos y comunidad, y disfruta de su exhibición actual Agua Es Vida. 

Con apoyo de El Laboratorio, CALA te invita a una práctica con acuarelas en el río —una oportunidad para explorar técnica libre inspirada en el mundo natural.

RSVP HERE

How can we digest putrid ideas to fertilize new ways of being in the world?  

What would you return to the earth?  

How does decay mirror the cycles of our lives and communities? 

How can we listen to the earth’s quiet wisdom as it turns waste into life? 

Let’s come together and explore these ideas for Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025, at Grant Street Studios in Downtown Phoenix.

Artist Camila de Andrade Bianchi will lead Letting Things Rot, a hands-on workshop exploring composting as a practice of ecological and social regeneration. Through discussions and activities, participants will reflect on decay, renewal, and our deep connection to the earth. 

Camila de Andrade Bianchi is a Brazilian transdisciplinary artist, researcher, and educator whose work explores themes of ecological regeneration, social transformation, and the boundless interconnectedness of life.  

Through mixed-media sculptures, installations, and performances, she reimagines human embodiment as an interconnected expression that transcends the individual body, embracing our symbiotic relationship with the environment and each other. 

Her practice unfolds in three intertwined themes: 
the expansion of the "self," 
the transformative power of digestion, 
and the regenerative potential within decay. 

At the end of the workshop, participants will create a sculpture made from organic materials and compost—a living artwork they can take home.

RSVP HERE

Agua Es Vída is a project dedicated to understanding knowledge and behaviors around water use among Phoenix-area Latinos. Join us for the culminating exhibition on March 22, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Audubon Center. Experience the powerful work of CALA's selected artists—Delia Ibañez, Israel Solomon, Estephania Gonzalez, and Yvette Serrano—who will showcase their creative interpretations of water and its importance to our community.

RSVP HERE

Following his debut show at Zonamaco and 2025 Trellis Art Fund Stepping Stone recipient multidisciplinary artist José Villalobos and Senior Curator Alana Hernandez delve into the themes and inspirations behind his first U.S. solo museum presentation "Rough Rider". The artworks currently on display at the ASU Art Museum “focus on the spectacle rodeo culture, addressing themes related to machismo, protection, and gender." Together, Villalobos and Hernandez explore the intersection of personal narrative and cultural commentary, discussing Villalobos's creative process. The Charla will highlight the collaborative effort in bringing his vision to life, celebrating the dynamic relationship between artist and curator in shaping a meaningful art experience.

RSVP HERE

Join us for the Opening Reception of “Rough Rider” a solo exhibition by our Resident Artist Jose Villalobos.

The exhibition is the completion of Jose Villalobos’ 3 month Residency Program, “Residencias Artísticas” at CALA Alliance.

RSVP HERE

About “Rough Rider” From ASU Art Museum:
Throughout his dynamic and multidisciplinary practice, José Villalobos (b.1988, El Paso, Texas) interrogates and deconstructs aspects of gender and masculinity found within the U.S. / Mexico borderlands. His practice underscores the rigid and conservative patriarchal roots of his Evangelical Mexican upbringing merged with the cultural mores of West Texas, bringing to bear how these are often at odds with his own identity as a queer, Brown man. How do you see masculinity represented in your culture?

“Rough Rider” marks the first U.S. solo museum presentation for the artist. It presents a diverse collection of newly created works from the artist’s residency with CALA Alliance in the Fall of 2024. The exhibition focuses on the spectacle of rodeo culture, addressing themes related to machismo, protection and gender. Practice barrels, ropes and flanks, all of which exude preconceived ideas of masculinity, are reinterpreted with a distinct flashiness to assert a tension between what it means to be masculine. Taken as a whole, “Rough Rider” asks us to consider how we exist within the parameters of socially constructed norms and those that endure outside of them.

“José Villalobos: Rough Rider” is organized by ASU Art Museum Senior Curator Alana Hernandez, with ASU Art Museum Windgate Curatorial Fellow Sade Moore and is made possible with generous funding from the Terra Foundation for American Art. Additional funding is provided by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.

On January 25th, Resident Artist José Villalobos will deliver a one-of-a-kind performance at Phoenix Art Museum's audio and visual festival, Amplified Vol. 4. As he prepares for his upcoming solo exhibition at ASU Art Museum in February, José will also exhibit work at Phoenix Art Museum during this dynamic event, running from 11 AM to 10 PM. Don’t miss it!

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Come together for the first How I Became an Artista of the year!

In partnership with El Laboratorio, join us at The Sagrado Galleria for a hands-on zine-making workshop led by artist Ivan Niebla from Mesa, AZ.

In this community-based workshop, you will discover the power of storytelling and art to explore water dynamics and journey in Phoenix. Using zine-making as a medium, participants will creatively engage with topics such as water accessibility and conservation practices while reflecting on personal connections to water.

All materials will be provided free of charge, making this an accessible and inclusive experience for everyone. This workshop is part of Agua Es Vida, a collaborative project designed to raise awareness about the importance of water through artistic expression. No prior experience is needed—just bring your creativity and a willingness to learn and share!

RSVP HERE

Our signature event, Sabor, is a unique culinary shared experience that encourages cultural understanding with residents across the Valley. The much-anticipated annual benefit dinner and culinary event will make its return on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Phoenix Art Museum for a one-night-only menu inspired by regional ingredients and culinary traditions of Baja California. Mexico.

At Sabor, you'll have the unique opportunity to connect with leaders from the Latinx, artistic, business, political, nonprofit, and community sectors. It's a chance to expand your network, forge new partnerships, and be part of a vibrant arts community. All this, while enjoying a three-course dinner designed by Chef Javier Plascencia.

Resident Artist Villalobos will present work-in-progress for his upcoming exhibition, offering a raw exploration of the effects of machismo within Norteño culture. Through sculpture and performance, Villalobos draws from his personal experiences growing up in a traditional, conservative family on the US/Mexico border in El Paso, TX. His work confronts the intersection of identity, religious ideologies, and gender roles, shedding light on the trauma and endurance of those who challenge societal norms.

Villalobos was selected as the 2024 national resident artist for CALA's Residencias Artísticas program, one of the only programs in the U.S. that exclusively fosters Latinx artistic talent, providing unparalleled resources to realize ambitious new work.

RVSP HERE

Join us at @tqpueblo to celebrate the #DayoftheDead with food, activities, a beautiful altar and more. 

We will honor our ancestors, our cultures, and our land in community at this family friendly event. We face racism and violence all around us, but in community and with the blessings of our ancestors we can resist and create new worlds. Bring photos of your deceased loved ones and any small item or food to leave for them as an offering. If you would like to share food with the living we welcome you to bring a desert, drinks or a traditional dish to share with everyone.

In this photography workshop, participants will honor their loved ones who have passed by capturing new memories. Led by artist José Villalobos, attendees will engage in creative poses inspired by traditional Día de Muertos themes, culminating in the integration of their images into community altar with Trans Queer Pueblo.

Join us in person on October 3, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM for our Charla with Estephania González. This event will be held at Grant Street Studios.

The charlas are a series of informal conversations between Contemporary U.S. Latinx and Latin American artists with curatorial professionals. The series gives viewers the opportunity to visit artists’ studios and hear more about their practice through conversations.

González was selected as the 2024 regional resident artist for CALA's Residencias Artísticas residency program. CALA’s residency program is one of the only programs that exclusively foster Latinx artistic talent in the United States, providing artists with unparalleled resources that enable them to realize innovative, ambitious new work.

RSVP HERE

Join us at ASU Art Museum for the opening reception of “Muddy Terrains”, a joint exhibition by Mariana Ramos and Estephania Gonzáles our current Artists in residence. The opening reception will include a performance by Estephania Gonzáles in addition to delicious bites, refreshments, and music by DJ Flawlyss provided by the ASU Art Museum.

RSVP HERE

Join us for our first edition of “Convive” at the Cala Alliance Studio.

Group Exhibition Featuring : Joshua Casteñeda, Estephania Gonzalez, Mariana Ramos, Saul Millan, and Francisco Diaz.

Music by Esteban.mp3

Refreshments will be provided!

RSVP HERE

In this newest Art LAB Estephania González introduces you to Aztec goddess of water, Chalchiuhtlicue, and invites you to meditate on the Mexica peoples' ancient ritual practices surrounding this vital resource. As Estephania guides you through a water consumption exercise you may reflect on your personal water usage and ask questions like “What would life look like with limited water access?, What bodies of water are sourced from on a daily basis for my water consumption? What is the journey water takes to reach me? What are the barriers faced today to access this life giving resource?”

We may discover the answers to these questions and more as we gather to give reverence to water.

RSVP HERE

Join us in person or online on April 19th, 2024 at 6:00 PM for our Charla with Mariana Ramos Ortiz. This will take place in person at CALA Alliance at 316 W McDowell Rd., Suite 103 and streamed on IG Live.

The charlas are a series of informal conversations between Contemporary U.S. Latinx and Latin American artists with Curatorial Assistant Sade Moore. The series gives viewers the opportunity to visit artists’ studios and hear more about their practice through conversations.

Ramos Ortiz was selected as the 2024 exchange resident artist for CALA's Residencias Artísticas residency program. CALA’s residency program is one of the only programs that exclusively foster Latinx artistic talent in the United States, providing artists with unparalleled resources that enable them to realize innovative, ambitious new work.

Join us for an open studio with exchange artist, Mariana Ramos Ortiz. The open studio will take place on Friday, March 8th from 6:00–8:00 PM at CALA Alliance (316 W McDowell Rd., Suite 103). Ramos Ortiz will present work-in-progress created during her residency period through April 2024.

Ramos Ortiz was selected as the 2024 exchange resident artist for CALA's Residencias Artísticas residency program. CALA’s residency program is one of the only programs that exclusively foster Latinx artistic talent in the United States, providing artists with unparalleled resources that enable them to realize innovative, ambitious new work.

LatchKey Gallery, in partnership with CALA Alliance (Phoenix, AZ), is pleased to present Land of Wolves. This exhibition showcases new work by Alejandro Macias (b. 1987, Brownsville, TX), produced during CALA Alliance’s 2023 Regional Artist-in-Residence program. Land of Wolves is the artist’s New York City debut and the first show with LatchKey Gallery and will run from February 23 - March 31, 2024 at 173 Henry Street, New York, NY 10002. The opening reception will be Friday, February 23 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm.

Macias roots his practice in the ambiguity of the in-between–of identity, nationhood, and place. His paintings and drawings address themes of migration and assimilation, rendering a unique impression of the US/Mexico borderlands and foregrounding the brutal and unjust policies that characterize this space. The artist positions himself as a documentarian, depicting the objects, people, and geographies that make up the dynamic yet complex region.

Many of the works in Land of Wolves feature bifurcated maps, signposts, and portraits of law enforcement. These works serve as vignettes of the borderlands, often revealing the oppositions and inherent contradictions that exist within the region. The exhibition’s title, borrowed from the 2015 film Sicario, underscores Macias’s interest in interrogating representations of the borderlands in media and public consciousness. Though a contested, bicultural space, Macias draws attention to the narratives that disseminate across cultures to form a dominant idea of the borderlands in the American imagination.

In a series of works referencing the US flag, Macias creates a liminal space within the work itself by splitting the work across multiple panels and drawing attention to the space between them. For the artist, negative space or shifts in medium and iconography are critical aspects of the work. In paneled works such as LIFE, LIBERTY, HAPPINESS (2023), the craggy edges of splintered wood echo the almost 2,000 miles of the continental border. In contrast, smooth, industrial highway signs jut out of the bottommost section of the work, exposing the wall behind it. In a series of smaller wooden panels, Macias replicates the fissure between boards, with unique roadway signs bearing quotes from films released on both sides of the border.

In his portraits, Macias is profoundly interested in coupling seemingly oppositional elements in his sitters. In Border Watcher (2023), the subject wears a pressed and rigid border patrol uniform. While their identity is shielded by a multicolored serape–this pattern suggests that the sitter is of Mexican descent. The ongoing Nopal en la Frente series also depict border patrol officers, through precise graphite drawings paired with frenetic and gestural approaches in pastel. The derogatory title, a slur for Mexican Americans that shy away from their cultural heritage, signals that these officers, too, hold roots from the other side.

The duality of Macias’s compositions highlights the inherent friction that people of the borderlands hold within them. In many ways, the portraits, signs, and maps are physical manifestations of this rupture. Taken as a whole, Macias’s work asks us to consider the multiplicities of identities we may hold and how they might be in conflict with each other.

This reception is open to the public. Click “google Calendar” or “ICS” on this page to add this event to your calendar.

Join us at the exhibition opening of Sarah Zapata: Beneath the breath of the sun

“Beneath the breath of the sun” features newly created works completed during the artist’s residency with CALA Alliance in Fall 2023. Alongside these works, Zapata chose ceramics made with clay and earthen materials from the Museum’s collection to reference the land. The installation evokes a topography of the Arizona landscape, where bold hues of orange and yellow nod toward the punishing sun and air of the desert, weaving together the ecological and geological aspects that make up the complexity of our place.

Join us in person or online on December 15th, 2023 at 6:00 PM for our third Charla of the year with Sarah Zapata. This will take place in person at CALA Alliance at 316 W McDowell Rd., Suite 103 and streamed on IG Live.

The charlas are a series of informal conversations between Contemporary U.S. Latinx and Latin American artists with Executive Director and Curator Alana Hernandez. The series gives viewers the opportunity to visit artists’ studios and hear more about their practice through conversations.

Zapata was selected as the 2023 national resident artist for CALA's Residencias Artísticas residency program. CALA’s residency program is one of the only programs that exclusively foster Latinx artistic talent in the United States, providing artists with unparalleled resources that enable them to realize innovative, ambitious new work.

Join us for a conversation with artist Luis Rivera Jimenez for the closing programming event for Luis Rivera Jimenez: A Brief Proposal on Race and Cultural Cosplay. We will explore how readings of images and symbols are registered through culture, race, and power and how these implicate our notions of violence and racism.

How I Became an Artista returns with its newest community-based Art LAB. Join us on Saturday at the Phoenix Hostel & Cultural Center (1026 N. 9th Street Phoenix, AZ, 85006) on December 2nd from 12:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. to participate in a holiday decoration workshop with artist Sarah Zapata. Participants in this workshop will discover basic textile methods but, most importantly, the creation process through play. We will focus on the history of textile methods and learn how to make yarn puffball ornaments and garlands.

This program is free with registration. Participants of all abilities are encouraged to participate. All materials will be provided.

Join us for an open studio with national resident artist, Sarah Zapata. The open studio will take place on Wednesday, November 1st from 6:00–8:00 PM at CALA Alliance (316 W McDowell Rd., Suite 103). Zapata will present work-in-progress created during her residency period through December 2023.

Zapata was selected as the 2023 national resident artist for CALA's Residencias Artísticas residency program. CALA’s residency program is one of the only programs that exclusively foster Latinx artistic talent in the United States, providing artists with unparalleled resources that enable them to realize innovative, ambitious new work.