San Marcos Arts Commission
ABOUT US
Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos opened its doors on September 18, 2010. As a non-profit community-serving organization, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of San Marcos, Texas. Being located at the heart of one of the first Mexican American "barrios" of San Marcos, Centro provides a unique space for people to learn about or share their Hispanic Heritage and to participate in our public programs, classes, and events.
Voted the Best Multicultural Center in 2015 by The Austin Chronicle, the cultural center is made up of four components: the Ofelia T. Vasquez Mexican American Cultural Museum, an art gallery, the Marcos & Fidela Garza Library, and the programs that make Centro such an active and lively place. Please stop by or call us for a tour!
MISSION
The mission of Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos (Centro) is to serve as a community beacon for the preservation, development, promotion, and celebration of
the Hispanic arts, culture, heritage, and values.
CORE VALUES
Inclusion. Sustainability. Community. Teamwork. Education
Donations are greatly appreciated
THANK YOU SPONSORS
These five women came together to create a "living" museum that would invite the community to celebrate heritage, history, and diversity. With a desire to preserve the stories of local heroes and families, to cultivate a passion for the arts in children, and to represent the Hispanic past, present, and future of San Marcos and Texas, Centro stands as a monument of these efforts.
Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos was named the Best Multicultural Center by Critic's Choice in The Austin Chronicle's Best of Austin 2015 issue.
We invite Memorial Fund Contributions.
These may also be made to Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos in memory of a loved one.
Ofelia Vasquez=Philo,
December 28, 1932 - November 1, 2017
Meet the Founders
VISION
A vibrant center that creates a rich environment for diverse arts and educational programming through partnerships that inspire cultural expression, preservation and appreciation.
In Memorium
The "Mexican School"
Call us: 512-878-0640
211 Lee Street, San Marcos, TX 78666
So MUCH to Offer
The building that now stands was originally the Mexican School during a time when education was a segregated institution in San Marcos. For many years, Hispanic children and children with Spanish-sounding surnames attended the Mexican School. It was later renamed the Southside Elementary in an attempt to remove racial divisions before being renamed, again, to Bonham PK School.
The building itself is a historical monument, very significant to the lives of locals that attended. Many had difficult experiences with the education system at the time and with not being allowed to speak their primary language.
Today, the building is a symbol and testament of the progress the Hispanic community has made over the past century for equality and cultural relevance. Centro is a place of inclusiveness, ethnic celebration, and (hi)story preservation.
(pictured from left to right)
Gloria Salazar ● Lupe Costilla ● Margie Villalpando
● Dr. Rosina Ruiz Valle ● Ofelia T. Vasquez-Philo
(in the background are former Centro Board members Margie Moore & Albert Sierra)
THANK YOU FOR
YOUR DONATION