MujerArtes Cooperativa de Esperanza

Started in 1995 and operating out of a house in San Antonio’s Westside, the MujerArtes Women’s Clay Cooperative has been among Esperanza’s groundbreaking programs for 24 years. MujerArtes draws thousands of visitors to their exhibits and studio each year, holding exhibits at the studio, Esperanza gallery and community venues including art fairs, schools, and libraries throughout the city year round. Annual exhibits include Peace Market, Mother’s Day, Día de la Virgen, Dia de los Muertos, and others.

At the MujerArtes studio the women, with the guidance of experienced ceramicists, shape the clay into historic snapshots of their lives as workers, heads of households and marginalized women in a country where they have always had to struggle. International artists/cooperatives Irene Aguilar, Enedina Vasquez, Taller Leñateros and Domitila Dominguez are invited for annual cultural exchanges.Through cooperative efforts, the women create an environment where each woman is a teacher and student by way of their creativity and cultural experiences.

For 24 years, our women’s clay cooperative has facilitated the cultural grounding of low-income women in San Antonio’s Westside through clay workshops and exhibits. We have witnessed the growth of women, many of whom have never received formal artistic training, resulting in a diverse group of talented and accomplished artists. Read more about our current group of MujerArtes women.