 by Salina Angelique Mendoza (SAM) before it leaves!

A closing reception celebrating this innovative exhibit will be held on Saturday, May 2, at 1:00 PM at the Fullerton Museum Center. Come by and speak with Sam about the exhibit and the cultural legacy of the Taíno people.

 is a collection of ten vibrant abstract works 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.

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.

Closing Reception for 1491: Taíno Alive