Student Opens Immigration Art Exhibit in Eau Claire
Gabriela Fuentes-Matamoros presents a new series of oil paintings at the Pablo Center at the Confluence.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Fine Art
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UW-Eau Claire student Gabriela Fuentes-Matamoros has debuted her exhibition, The History of Crimmigration in the United States of America. The show is currently on display at the Brady & Jeanne Foust Gallery within the Pablo Center at the Confluence.
Why it matters
The artist created this collection to help members of the immigrant community feel seen and proud of their heritage. The work stems from a deep research process aimed at highlighting significant historical events in American immigration policy.
The exhibition features 14 oil paintings that explore historical topics such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. This collection contrasts with larger historical series like Jacob Lawrence's 60-piece The Migration Series.
The players
Gabriela Fuentes-Matamoros
She is a student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire who focuses on historical narratives through fine art.
Elena Casey
She serves as an Associate Professor at UW-Eau Claire and collaborated with the artist on her historical research.
The details
Developed alongside Associate Professor Elena Casey, the exhibit uses primary source materials including historical newspapers, photographs, and political cartoons to ground its themes. The display currently features informational placards written in Spanish, with plans to add translations in Hmong as the show continues.
Timeline
The Chinese Exclusion Act was passed in 1882.
Research and conceptual development began in Spring 2026.
Painting for the collection commenced in Summer 2026.
The opening reception is scheduled for November 13, 2026, from 5-7 p.m.
The exhibition is set to conclude on December 6, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This collection follows the tradition of narrative-driven exhibitions like Jacob Lawrence's The Migration Series, which used multi-piece sets to document historical change. It illustrates a trend of students leveraging academic research to produce public-facing, sociopolitical art.
Residents and visitors can view the exhibition at the Brady & Jeanne Foust Gallery, which provides public access to the research-driven collection. Following the current run, the artist intends to expand the show to include ceramic pieces.
The takeaway
This exhibit demonstrates how academic research can be synthesized into accessible visual narratives that resonate with local communities. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the multilingual placards to better understand the historical events being depicted.
What happens next
An opening reception for the exhibition will take place on November 13, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at the Pablo Center at the Confluence.
Further reading
Discover more local exhibits and cultural events at the Eau Claire Fine Art section.
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