CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) will host Bay Area Xicanx artist and cultural worker Melanie Cervantes for a solo exhibition, “Protect Your Spirit: Visual Lexicons of Resistance,” from Oct. 23 through Dec. 12 in the second-floor gallery of the John Spoor Broome Library.
An opening reception open to the public will be held Thursday, Oct. 23, at 5 p.m. at the Broome Library. Cervantes will also provide an artist talk for CSUCI students on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at noon, at the Broome Library.
Cervantes’ work offers a powerful visual language of resistance against social injustice and systemic oppression. Her art explores stories of struggle, resilience and triumph within marginalized communities and invites reflection on the role of art in social movements.
“There is both an ephemeral and a timeless nature to Cervantes’ art,” said CSUCI art historian Theresa Avila. “In this era of increased repression and surveillance, the type of art that Cervantes creates is needed now more than ever.”
Cervantes has exhibited her work at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Musée d’Aquitaine in France, and the Museo Franz Mayer in Mexico City.
The “Protect Your Spirit” exhibition underscores CSUCI’s commitment to showcasing artists whose work challenges perceptions and fosters community engagement through creativity and critical thought.
Event details:
- Artist Talk (CSUCI students only): Tuesday, Oct. 21, noon, Broome Library
- Public Opening Reception: Thursday, Oct. 23, 5 p.m., Broome Library second-floor gallery
- Exhibition Dates: Oct. 23–Dec. 12, 2025
- Admission: Free
For more information, contact Nicholas Centino atnicholas.centino@csuci.edu or Theresa Avila attheresa.avila@csuci.edu
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY CHANNEL ISLANDS
California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) is Ventura County’s only public university and opened in 2002 as the 23rd campus in the CSU system. CSUCI is located between Camarillo and the Oxnard Plain, midway between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.
The campus is nestled against the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains and is a 10-minute drive from the Pacific Ocean. With more than 4,880 students, 29,000 alumni, and 1,000 employees, CSUCI is poised to grow in size and distinction, while maintaining one of the most student-focused learning environments in public higher education with more than 90 academic degrees, teaching credentials, certificates, and professional and community programs.
CSUCI is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and has earned the distinguished “Research Colleges and Universities” designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
The University encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs, events and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the respective area below as soon as possible, but no later than seven (7) business days prior to the event/activity: CSUCI Students: accommodations@csuci.edu; CSUCI Employees and members of the public: angela.portillo@csuci.edu