Amado Maurilio Peña Jr., born in 1943 in Laredo, Texas, stands as one of America's most celebrated Southwest artists and a master of Native American cultural expression. This distinguished Mexican-American artist of Yaqui ancestry has captivated art collectors, museums, and galleries nationwide for over three decades with his bold, dynamic compositions that capture the essence of the American Southwest. Peña's artistic journey began with formal education at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where he earned both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Art and Education. His dual role as educator and artist has profoundly shaped his mission to preserve and share Native American culture through visual storytelling. Currently teaching at Alexander High School in Laredo and serving as adjunct professor at the University of Texas, Peña continues to inspire new generations while maintaining his prolific artistic career. Recognized as an Artisan of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona—a particularly high honor—Peña's work celebrates the strength and resilience of Native peoples living in harmony with the harsh Southwest landscape. His artistic inspiration draws from iconic locations including Canyon de Chelly, Spider Rock, Monument Valley, Enchanted Mesa, Acoma, and Black Mesa, creating a visual narrative of the ancient heritage spanning Arizona and New Mexico.Peña's mastery of serigraphy (screen printing) has established him as a leading figure in contemporary printmaking. His signature technique combines bold colors, geometric patterns, and dynamic compositions with mixed media including gouache, acrylics, and encaustic on specialized surfaces. This innovative approach creates layered textures and vibrant depth, featuring exaggerated human forms intertwined with abstract landscapes that harmoniously balance figures with their natural environment. The artist's significance extends far beyond regional recognition. His work "Mestizo" (1974) is housed in the prestigious Smithsonian American Art Museum's permanent collection, featured in their exhibition "Printing the Revolution! The Rise and Impact of Chicano Graphics, 1965 to Now." Additionally, his art is part of the U.S. Department of State's Art in Embassies Collection and was featured in the landmark "Chicano Art: Resistance and Affirmation" exhibition that toured nationally from 1990 to 1993. Peña's artistic evolution reflects a profound cultural journey. His 1980 visit to New Mexico deepened his connection to Yaqui heritage, shifting his focus from strictly Chicano themes to broader Native identity exploration. This transformation led to work described as "more Native than Chicano," incorporating traditional motifs from Mayan and Aztec civilizations with contemporary aesthetics inspired by indigenous textiles and pottery. Metro Gallery Nebraska, located at 1414 'O' Street in Lincoln, proudly features three exceptional Peña works in their collection: "SW Art KB," "Colcha Series - Tres Danzantes," and "Dance Of The Artisons - Danza de los Artesanos." These pieces exemplify the artist's remarkable attention to detail and cultural authenticity that has made his work highly collectible among art enthusiasts and museum curators. For art collectors and museum visitors, Peña's work represents more than aesthetic beauty—it serves as cultural documentation of Mexican-American and Native American experiences. His limited edition serigraphs and original paintings continue to appreciate in value, regularly appearing in prestigious auction houses and gallery exhibitions across the Southwest. As Metro Gallery Nebraska continues to champion diverse artistic voices, their Peña collection connects Nebraska art enthusiasts with one of America's most important contemporary Native American artists.
To get advance notice of upcoming events and invitations to them, notice of new exhibits, and exclusive discounts download the Metro Gallery Nebraska App and enable notifications.
