Local R.C.A.F Programs

January 10 - June 28, 2026

2026 Events

Sacramento History Museum

Through April 5, 2026: RCAF in Mictlán: 50th Anniversary of Dia de los Muertos
Featuring photographs, videos, ephemera, and artwork, the exhibition documents the RCAF’s
Dia de los Muertos five-decade observance within Chicana/o history and its impact as the oldest
in the Sacramento region. Curated by guest curator, Terezita Romo.
March 28, 2pm: Dia de los Muertos Founders Panel

Verge Center for the Arts

January 10 – March 22: R.C.A.F. Mid-Flight: The Artwork and Influence of the Royal Chicano Air Force
The exhibition celebrates the groundbreaking contributions of the Royal Chicano Air Force and
their blend of media, culture, performance, humor, and activism that championed Chicano pride,
social justice, and community empowerment. It also honors their artistic influence, showcasing
both the original members’ creativity and the work of artists inspired by their legacy.
January 10, 5-8pm: Opening reception
February 18, 6-8pm: RCAF Artists Panel Discussion
March 18, 6-8pm: Affiliated Artists Panel Discussion

SMUD Art Gallery

January 14 – April 1: The Art of Juan Carrillo and Esteban Villa
April 1, 4:30-6pm: Closing reception

CSUS Library Gallery

February 12 – May 2: Painting la Comuniversidad: Three Murals of the Royal Chicano Air Force
An exhibition featuring large-scale reproductions of RCAF murals and individual artworks,
including posters and ceramics, from the university’s collections. Curated by Janina Lopez, it
will also highlight the history of the Barrio Art Program and its on-going community engagement
as well as audio from new oral histories with RCAF artists, public art tours, and digital guide.
February 11, 5:00pm: RCAF Artists Panel: 50+ Years of RCAF Mural Making
February 11, 6:30pm: Exhibition reception
February 13, 3pm: Exhibition Curator Walk-through with Janina Lopez
April 8, 12:00pm: Mural Site Tour: Metamorphosis with Janina Lopez
April 12, 1:00pm: Mural Site Tour: Southside Park with Janina Lopez

Crocker Art Museum

February 22– June 28: Rebels With La Causa: Royal Chicano Air Force Art and Activism, 1970 – 1990
The exhibition explores the creative production and expansive output of the RCAF, one of the
Chicano Movement’s most prolific and impactful artist collectives. It highlights the posters
created for the myriad artistic and cultural activities and spiritual ceremonies organized by the
larger RCAF membership of artists, community organizations, and activists during their first two
decades. Curated by guest curator, Terezita Romo.

KVIE Channel 6

March through June: Broadcast of its Royal Chicano Air Force: Art and Activism (Steve
LaRosa and Toby Momtaz, 2021) and other TBD film(s) related to “art and activism.”

Kaneko Gallery @ American River College

April 13 – May 15: Armando Cid, solo exhibition
April 14, 12:00pm: Community reception

Sacramento Poetry Center

April 1 – 30: Esteban Villa, exhibition featuring sketches of local poets and audience members
April 20, 7:30pm: Poetry Tribute to RCAF Poets

Blue Line Arts

May 9 – June 20: Lorraine García-Nakata: Knowledge We Carry
A solo exhibition of recent works and sampling of earlier pieces, by RCAF artist Lorraine
García-Nakata that opened in San Francisco in 2025 and now travels to Blue Line Arts. It
includes recent paintings, signature large-scale drawings, fabric and paper pieces as well as a
sampling of earlier sculpture and mixed media artworks.
May 16,4pm: Artist Lecture
May 16, 5-7pm: Opening Reception
June 20, 5-7pm: Encore Reception

California State Library

Through June 28: Viva La Lucha: Art and Work of the Royal Chicano Air Force
Speaker Series interviews on their YouTube channel featuring RCAF artists, Juan Carrillo, Rudy
Cuellar, Luis “Louie” González, Irma Lerma Barbosa, and Juanishi Orosco.
May 13: Speakers Series: Stan Padilla
June 11: Reading Room presentation with Luis C. González

[To be updated as additional events are confirmed.]