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Mesa-Bains (Amalia) papers
M2707
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Table of contents
Description
Amalia Mesa-Bains is a Chicana curator, author, artist, and educator best known for her installation pieces referencing home
altars and ofrendas, as well as for her activism in the art world. This collection contains materials relating to over sixty
years of Amalia Mesa-Bains's life and work. It contains documentation for her art installations, exhibitions, curatorial activities,
and work in public education, along with papers relating to her advisory positions, conference and lecture attendance, and
writing commissions.
Background
Amalia Mesa-Bains is a Chicana curator, author, artist, and educator best known for her installation pieces referencing home
altars and ofrendas, as well as for her activism in the art world. She was born Maxine Amalia Mesa to Mexican immigrants Lawrence
Escobedo Mesa and Marina Gonzales Mesa in Santa Clara, California on July 10, 1943. She received a B.A. in painting from San
Jose State University in 1966, an M.A in interdisciplinary education from San Francisco State University in 1971, and an M.A.
and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the Wright Institute in 1980 and 1983, respectively. Her dissertation was a study about
the "Influence of Culture on the Identity of Ten Chicana Artists."
Extent
100 Linear Feet
(129 manuscript boxes, 2 cartons, 14 flat boxes, 8 map folders)
Availability
Collection is open for research with the exception of Box 145, which contains personal and financial information. These files
are restricted until 2075. Materials must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use. Digital files are closed
until processed.