Light the Mic: Poetry Edition | Friday, April 3 from 6:45PM - 9:30PM 

celebrates creativity, community, and self-expression during the Downtown Fullerton Artwalk. Stop by to see our chosen performers take the stage to showcase poetry and the arts with our specialty cocktails and assorted drinks.

Come enjoy an inspiring night of live performances in a supportive environment and cheer on local talent!

Light the Mic: Poetry Edition

A four-part lecture series led by art historian Dr Megan Lorraine Debin at the Fullerton Museum Center. This series explores the power, creativity, and resilience of women artists and thinkers in Mexico—from ancient civilizations to modern art. Through engaging storytelling, rich visuals, and thoughtful discussion, each session brings history to life. Wine, beer, cocktails, and mocktails will be available for purchase. Food trucks will also be located outside of the museum. Price includes admission to all four lectures.

Women, goddesses, and authority in ancient Indigenous Mexico

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz and the fight for women’s intellect, voice, and education in colonial Mexico

Identity, pain, politics, and self-fashioning

Women artists shaping modern & contemporary Mexican art

Doors open at 6pm. Lectures begin at 7pm. Approximate end time 8:30pm.

4/9 Sips & Stories with Art Trippin'

4/16 Sips & Stories with Art Trippin'

 is a collection of ten vibrant abstract works by 

 that challenges the long standing narrative that Caribbean history began with Christopher Columbus in 1492. Through bold color, layered symbolism, and contemporary techniques, the series highlights the enduring presence and cultural legacy of the Taíno people.

The collection was created after Mendoza discovered her Puerto Rican and Taíno heritage. This personal exploration of ancestry and identity informs each piece in the series, resulting in a body of work that reflects both cultural rediscovery and historical reflection.

Working on watercolor paper with natural, jagged edges, Mendoza uses spray paint and acrylic paint markers to merge ancient Taíno symbolism with modern urban art practices. This combination creates a visual dialogue between past and present. Her vivid palette references the lush landscapes of Borikén, now known as Puerto Rico, and the surrounding Caribbean, while the contemporary techniques connect the work to current artistic expressions.

The title references the year 1491, the final moment before European colonization altered the cultural and political landscape of the Caribbean. By naming the series 

, Mendoza emphasizes that Taíno culture did not disappear with European contact. Instead, it continues to influence Caribbean identity and heritage today.

Across the collection, circular forms echo celestial Taíno symbols, while flowing lines suggest the rhythms of land and sea central to island life. Intricate patterns layered with bold fields of color represent the complex intersections of history, mythology, and lived experience.

Through this series, Mendoza contributes to an ongoing conversation about Indigenous Caribbean identity and challenges the misconception that Taíno culture vanished after colonization. 

 celebrates cultural resilience, continuity, and the powerful process of personal discovery while inviting viewers to reconsider familiar historical narratives and engage with the living legacy of Taíno culture.

1491: Taíno Alive By Salina Angelique Mendoza (SAM)

The Fullerton Museum Center proudly presents 

 a new biennial juried exhibition dedicated exclusively to artists living and working in Orange County, the only exhibition of its kind in the region.

Showcasing 108 artists and over 130 artworks, the exhibition spans painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media, reflecting the breadth and creative vitality of Orange County’s contemporary art scene. Together, these works form an evolving narrative shaped by diverse voices, grounded in place, and defined by each artist’s unique perspective.

We are honored to have esteemed pillars of the art community serve as guest jurors: Abel Alejandre, multidisciplinary artist; John D. Spiak, Director and Chief Curator of Grand Central Art Center; and Dave Tourjé, multidisciplinary artist and co-founder of the California Locos collective, who will select the top three winners, announced on Opening Day.

Curated by Georgette Collard, Museum Curator, and Jasmine McNeal, Fullerton College Art Gallery Curator.

OC MADE: Celebrating Orange County Artists

"A Man Named Charlie: Fender’s Unsung Hero", celebrates the life and legacy of Charlie Davis, a quiet force behind Fender’s golden era. Beginning his journey with the company in 1957, Charlie worked every step of the manufacturing line, from rough-cut wood to the final finish. But it was his unmatched skill in winding pickups that earned him legendary status. Revered by musicians and trusted by icons like Dick Dale, Charlie became the only technician many would allow near their prized guitars. His hands shaped the sound of surf rock and beyond, helping define a generation of music. Through decades of change, Charlie remained fiercely loyal to Fender, embodying the spirit of craftsmanship and dedication. This exhibit honors his remarkable contributions and finally gives this unsung hero his spotlight.