Fresno Art Exhibit Humanizes Migrant Stories

Dr. Lizbeth De La Cruz Santana's exhibit at Arte Americas features murals created with undocumented individuals and communities.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:22am

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A new exhibit at Arte Americas in Fresno, California is bringing powerful stories of migration, identity, and resilience to the community. The exhibit features the work of Dr. Lizbeth De La Cruz Santana, who created murals in collaboration with undocumented individuals and communities connected to their stories. The exhibit aims to humanize the experiences of migrants and highlight the real and personal impact of deportation.

Why it matters

The exhibit seeks to challenge the dehumanizing way migrants are often portrayed in the media and public discourse, inviting visitors to look beyond statistics and see the individuals behind the stories. By highlighting personal narratives, the exhibit hopes to foster greater empathy and understanding around immigration issues.

The details

The exhibit, titled "Humanizar Historias" (Humanizing Stories), features four murals created by De La Cruz Santana with the help of students, deported veterans, and undocumented immigrants. The murals depict scenes like a border fence, the face of a Dreamer, and the personal impact of deportation on families. Visitors can also learn how to make their own murals and design protest-style posters.

  • The exhibit opened at Arte Americas in Fresno, California on March 12, 2026.

The players

Dr. Lizbeth De La Cruz Santana

A migration scholar, Chicana, and self-taught artist who created the murals featured in the exhibit.

Aideed Medina

The City of Fresno Poet Laureate, who expressed the emotional impact of the exhibit.

Arte Americas

The art gallery in Fresno, California that is hosting the "Humanizar Historias" exhibit.

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What they’re saying

“It's literally humanizing a person because some people still need to be taught that this is important, right? You get to hear their story and see that, well, this is a deported veteran for Madera. That's Hector Lopez. Or to say, this is a dreamer who is helping other undocumented individuals. To put a name to a number, which is oftentimes how all of us, not just immigrants, are talked about.”

— Dr. Lizbeth De La Cruz Santana, Artist and Curator (yourcentralvalley.com)

“I just feel it in my heart. it isn't just aesthetically pleasing or an intellectual exercise; it is an exercise for the soul to see this exhibit.”

— Aideed Medina, City of Fresno Poet Laureate (yourcentralvalley.com)

What’s next

The exhibit at Arte Americas in Fresno will be on display through the end of May 2026.

The takeaway

This exhibit humanizes the experiences of migrants and undocumented individuals, challenging the dehumanizing ways they are often portrayed. By highlighting personal narratives, it aims to foster greater empathy and understanding around immigration issues.