Returning to the Gallery: La Casita Azul
After the joy and nerves of my very first exhibition, I found myself back at the Consulate of Mexico in Las Vegas for another show, this time with a piece that came straight from my heart and history: La Casita Azul.
When I was 17 years old, I had to self-deport back to Mexico to begin my path toward residency. It was one of the hardest choices of my life, filled with fear, sacrifice, and the ache of leaving everything I had known.
La Casita Azul was born from that memory. It is a reflection of immigrants who build lives in the United States while dreaming of the ones they left behind. It carries the weight of proving yourself “worthy” again and again, while knowing deep down that we always were. For me, this piece is not just art, it’s a story of survival, dignity, and hope.
This exhibition felt different from my first. My nerves had settled, and instead of worrying about being late or rushing out the door, I found myself more present and able to enjoy the experience.
One of my favorite moments was when my daughter asked if she could help. She proudly took the little stickers I had brought and handed them out to people, telling them it was “her job.” Watching her participate in this creative journey made the night even more meaningful.
As I walked through the gallery, I listened to the other artists share their stories. So many of them mirrored my own experiences of immigration, resilience, family, and dreams. It reminded me once again that art is never created in isolation. We are connected, carrying stories that echo one another.
That night, I prepared a speech, and even though I didn’t know if I would get the chance to share it, I carried the words with me:
“When I was 17 years old, I had to self-deport back to Mexico to get my residency. I had to prove myself worthy again and again, but I am living proof that we are worthy. That is what inspired La Casita Azul. This piece is about the ache of building a life here while dreaming of the one left behind. For every immigrant who has ever been told they don’t belong, our fight isn’t just about the right to work, it’s about the right to exist with dignity.”
Walking out of the gallery that night, I felt a sense of peace. My first exhibition taught me that I belonged in these spaces; this second one reminded me that my story is bigger than myself. La Casita Azul is not just my voice; it carries the voices of countless immigrants who deserve to be heard and remembered.
I’m grateful that my daughter was part of this night, passing out stickers and proudly standing by my side. These moments remind me that art is not just about creating, it’s about community, family, and the sharing of stories.
Prints of La Casita Azul are available in my shop. May this piece serve as a reminder: we are already worthy.
