07/29/2026
Honored to know his art collection and get to finally see in person since him and his wife's art is currently displayed at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. I m blessed to get to see it every week after my children's program there on Wednesday mornings.
Rest in peace and God be with his family. Thank you for sharing OUR story.
The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural is saddened due to the passing of Dr. Gilberto Cárdenas, on July 26, 2026 at the age of 79. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Dolores Carrillo GarcĂa, family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
For more than five decades, Cárdenas dedicated his life to expanding educational opportunities, advancing scholarship, and supporting artists. He believed deeply in making sure future generations of artists, scholars, and community leaders understood the richness and significance of Latino history, culture, and the institutions that preserve and celebrate them. He also recognized that Latino art, scholarship, and community activism were deeply connected- each strengthening the others and, together, giving voice to the aspirations, experiences, and hopes of the Latino community.
Since June 2026, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center has been honored to host the exhibit, Mitote: Amigos Gathering, Selections from the Gilberto Cardenas & Dolores Carillo Garcia Collection. This exhibit features selections from their personal art collection that highlight renowned and emerging Latino and Chicano artists.
The word "mitote" comes from the Nahuatl word mitotiqui, meaning to dance, gather, celebrate together, and make joyful noise. The production and exhibition of the show has indeed been a gathering of friends, bringing folks together to celebrate this collection. Their collection represents the incredible extended family of artists, scholars, curators, students, and activists who have been connected through the unending generosity and camaraderie that Cardenas and Carillo Garcia created through their collection. The MACC is honored to be a part of the legacy of Cardenas’ vision. The exhibit is on view through December 5, 2026, and we invite anyone who visits to sign the guestbook for the exhibit as a memento for the Cardenas - Carillo Garcia family.
Services will be at Harrell Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin, TX 78745. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, August 1st 10:30 a.m. at St. Ignatius Catholic Church.
Photograph by Roj Rodriguez.
