You’re Invited! Opening Reception

Our Island of Treasures: Puerto Rican Voices from Indiana

Saturday, July 25, 2026
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Free and open to the public. All are welcome.

National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
3015 W. Division Street
Chicago, IL 60622

Join us as we celebrate the opening of Our Island of Treasures: Puerto Rican Voices from Indiana, a vibrant new exhibition featuring the ¡WEPArt! Colectivo—ten Puerto Rican artists based in Indiana whose work explores identity, memory, migration, and the enduring beauty of Puerto Rican culture.

Presented in partnership with the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, this landmark exhibition marks the collective’s first museum exhibition together, bringing powerful artistic voices from across the diaspora to Chicago.

Enjoy an afternoon of art, community, and celebration featuring:

• Opening Reception | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Special Program & Artist Remarks | 12:30 PM
• Complimentary Appetizers + Beverages
• Meet the Artists and learn firsthand about the inspiration behind their work

Through painting, photography, textiles, mixed media, fashion, and sculpture, the artists invite us to rediscover Puerto Rico through stories of resilience, heritage, and belonging. Together, they remind us that the treasures of our Island are carried wherever Boricuas plant roots and continue to create.

We invite you to join us for this special opening as we celebrate the richness of Puerto Rican art, the strength of our diaspora, and a historic partnership between the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture and the ¡WEPArt! Colectivo.

¡WEPArt! Colectivo Members

Elisa Barety, Visual Artist | Indianapolis, IN (Mayagüez, PR)

D. Del Reverda-Jennings, Interdisciplinary Artist | Indianapolis, IN (Ponce, PR)

Mirvia Sol Eckert, Visual Artist | Indianapolis, IN (South Jersey, NJ)

Ita García, Visual Artist | Indianapolis, IN (San Juan, PR)

Angel Olivera, Fashion Designer | Indianapolis, IN (Orlando, FL)

Ricardo G. Rosa Marcano, Multimedia Artist | Greenfield, IN (Cidra, PR)

Frances Ruiz, Visual Artist | Fishers, IN (San Juan, PR)

Carlos Sosa Pagán, Multidisciplinary Artist | Indianapolis, IN (South Bronx, NY)

Nettie Viera, Visual Artist | Indianapolis, IN (Quebradillas, PR)

André Zhang Sonera, Photographer | Indianapolis, IN (San Sebastián, PR)

Special Thanks To All Our Sponsors: 

• The Illinois Arts Council
• The MacArthur Foundation
• The Angell Foundation
• Terra Foundation for American Art
• The Chicago Community Trust
• The Miranda Family Fund
• The City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
• The Chicago Park District
• Alderperson Jessie Fuentes
• Senator Omar Aquino
• Representative Lilian Jimenez
• Arte Mexicano en Indiana
• Daniel Del Real
• fivonaccie

Exhibition on view:
July 25, 2026 – February 19, 2027