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Villa (Esteban) papers
CEMA 50
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Title: Esteban Villa papers
Identifier/Call Number: CEMA 50
Language of Material:
English.
Contributing Institution:
UC Santa Barbara Library, Department of Special Research Collections
Physical Description:
9.68 Linear Feet
(18 document boxes, 1 flat file)
Date (inclusive): 1974-2002
Abstract: Original sketches, correspondence, exhibition announcements, collected writings, and research files of the Sacramento artist
and muralist Estaban Villa (1930-2022), a founding member of the Royal Chicano Air Force.
Physical Location: Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library
The collection is open for research.
Property rights to the collection and physical objects belong to the Regents of the University of California acting through
the Department of Special Research Collections at the UCSB Library. All applicable literary rights, including copyright to
the collection and physical objects, are protected under Chapter 17 of the U.S. Copyright Code and are retained by the creator
and the copyright owner, heir(s), or assigns.
All requests to reproduce, quote from, or otherwise reuse collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Department
of Special Research Collections at UCSB at special@ucsb.edu. Consent is given on behalf of the Regents of the University of
California acting through the Department of Special Research Collections at UCSB as the owner of the physical items and is
not intended to include or imply permission from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright
owner, heir(s), or assigns. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the
copyright owner or their assigns for permission to publish where the UC Regents do not hold the copyright.
[Identification of Item] Esteban Villa papers, CEMA 50. Department of Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library,
University of California, Santa Barbara.
Donated by Esteban Villa December 2001.
Born on August 3, 1930, in Tulare California, Esteban Villa (1930-2022) was a nationally-renowned Chicano muralist. He was
considered one of Sacramento's most respected artists. Villa was a founding member of the Royal Chicano Air Force, an artistic
and cultural collective created amidst the Chicano movement's battle for social and political rights and recognition. Villa
described himself as a muralist, printmaker, art educator and community activist.
His work sometimes contains surrealist elements through his inclusion and references to such things as the flying jalapeno,
flying burrito brothers, and tortilla art. His use of the religious iconography of La Virgen de Guadalupe and El Dia de Los
Muertos ground him within the creative Chicano lexicon. Though his works can easily be categorized within the mainstream of
fine art, he once stated, "Chicano artists do Chicano art. Call it fine art if you like. The Chicano artist brings this iconography
to your attention. If we don't do it, no one else will."
Some of Villa's most recognized works and exhibitions included "La Super Chicana," "La Arte Cosmica de Esteban Villa," "Los
Olvidados" (the homeless), "Menudo Eaters," "Portraits," and murals at Southside Park (the underpass to Old Sacramento) and
Macy's Parking Lot (downtown Sacramento).
Villa's teaching career began in 1962. He started teaching high school, and then took assignments at Washington State University,
D-Q University, University of California, Davis, and California State University, Sacramento, where he retired as a professor
emeritus. He served as an art consultant to many schools and organizations, including The Royal Chicano Air Force (RCAF) Centro
de Artistas Chicanos, and conducted art programs within the California prison system. Villa's work was frequently shown in
Sacramento at the Crocker Museum, Galera Posada, and Luna's Cafe. Villa could also be found occasionally performing as a singer
and guitarist. The Sacramento Bee called Villa, "An extraordinary man: a mural artist, musician, teacher and community leader
who is known for his barrio art."
In addition, Villa was involved in the production of "Pilots of Aztlan", a video documentary about the Royal Chicano Air Force,
where he appeared along with other RCAF members. The documentary was originally aired in January 1995. Villa was involved
in the planning of a mural developed by the schoolchildren of Freeport Elementary School and the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts
Commission on the Freeport Elementary School site in the Spring of 1995.
This collection comprises the papers of Esteban Villa (1930-2022) and includes correspondence, research files, writings, and
ephemera. A considerable portion of the collection contains over 6000 original sketches by Villa.
Series I Personal Biographical. Eight folders, containing correspondence separated into communication with institutions or individuals. All material related
to Villa's work at CSUS has been arranged together and all material within this series unless otherwise noted has been arranged
chronologically. In addition, the series contains several of the many awards Villa received throughout his career.
Series II Exhibitions. Two folders, the first portion of the series is devoted to exhibitions or events that Villa was either featured in or figured
prominently in. The second portion is a collection of invitations to exhibitions arranged chronologically. Together the two
portions document a remarkable Chicano art history and showcase hundreds of Chicano artists.
Series III Writings. Two folders, containing an interesting variety of collected notes and writings from several artists as well as Villa.
Series IV Research Files. Two boxes, arranged chronologically. Over the course of his career, Villa collected many articles, clippings and reference
materials for a wide range of artistic or Chicano issues. This series includes material relevant to several Chicano organizations
as well as providing context for Villa's professional connections to Chicano organizations.
Series V Photographs and Slides. Three folders, containing a dozen or more personal photos and more then 80 slides of Villa's works including posters, painting,
and murals.
See Appendix A for catalog of slides
Series VI Artwork. Boxes 4-20, contain sketches donated by the artist. Series begins with material related to murals and mural projects the
artist was involved with, spanning two folders. Over 6000 sketches spanning boxes 4 through 20 [arranged chronologically from
the early eighties to the late nineties]. This series illustrates the myriad styles Villa blended into his work.
See Appendix B for catalog of sketches.
Series VII Oversize.
Eight oversize folders, with original prints, flyers and posters are arranged chronologically beginning with undated items.
The series contains promotional posters for exhibitions Villa participated in with other artists as well as his solo work.
Series VIII Audiovisual Materials. Arranged chronologically with undated materials his listed last. The audiovisual series provides a broad overview of Villa's
art, methods and history.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Mexican Americans -- California -- Politics and government -- 20th century
Mexican Americans -- Civil rights
Mexican American artists -- California
Photographs
Slides