Juana Estrada Hernandez Exhibits Printing Historias in Wichita
The artist showcases migration-themed prints at the McKnight Art Center through mid-November.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Hispanic
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Artist Juana Estrada Hernandez is exhibiting her gallery, Printing Historias, at the McKnight Art Center in Wichita. The collection reflects on the artist's personal history and intergenerational migration stories.
Why it matters
The artwork seeks to provide a nuanced perspective on current immigration rhetoric through the lens of lived experience. It draws on Hernandez's return to her hometown in Mexico after 22 years away.
Hernandez holds a BFA in printmaking from Fort Hays State University and an MFA from the University of New Mexico. She previously produced a print series titled Nuestras Historias in 2019.
The players
Juana Estrada Hernandez
She is an artist and printmaker who holds degrees from Fort Hays State University and the University of New Mexico.
McKnight Art Center
Located at Wichita State University, this facility serves as the host venue for the current gallery exhibition.
Wichita State University
This public research university in Wichita hosted the artist for a lecture on October 22.
The details
The exhibition incorporates narratives about life in the United States and the artist's recent trip to her place of origin. This work follows her 2010 experience when a counselor questioned her citizenship status.
Timeline
2010: Artist was questioned about her citizenship status by a counselor.
2019: Hernandez created the print series Nuestras Historias.
October 22, 2026: The artist delivered a lecture at Wichita State University.
November 16, 2026: The exhibition concludes its run at the McKnight Art Center.
Culture Shift
This work represents a move toward using personal narrative to challenge the impersonal tone of the ongoing public debate regarding immigration news rhetoric. By grounding political issues in individual experiences, Hernandez shifts the focus from broad policies to the human cost of borders.
Residents can view the exhibition at the McKnight Art Center to engage with the artist's migration narratives. The gallery remains open to the public until the closing date on November 16.
The takeaway
Artistic expressions of personal migration histories can provide a deeper understanding of political issues beyond standard news headlines. Visitors to local galleries may find that intimate storytelling provides more context than traditional media reports.
Further reading
Explore more local perspectives on the Hispanic community and its contributions to the arts.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Sunflower.
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