Alamo Colleges District Opens Exhibit Honoring San Antonio Music Legend

The Alamo Colleges District held an opening reception on Thursday, June 25, for From the West Side to the World: Un Homenaje a Flaco Jiménez, a special exhibit honoring the life and legacy of Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez.

The free community exhibit celebrates Jiménez’s extraordinary impact on conjunto music, Tejano culture, and generations of artists and fans. Through instruments, photographs, awards, and personal mementos, the collection offers a meaningful look at his musical journey, cultural influence, and deep connection to San Antonio’s West Side.

The opening reception featured remarks from Alamo Colleges District Chancellor Dr. Mike Flores and Arthur “Arturo” Jimenez, son of Flaco Jiménez, along with a live performance by Los Texmaniacs.

“Flaco Jiménez was San Antonio,” said Dr. Mike Flores, Alamo Colleges District Chancellor. “His sound carried the spirit of our city — our family traditions, resilience, joy and cultural richness. Across a career that spanned more than 70 years, he helped define Tex-Mex music and carried the tradition-rich sound of conjunto across genres, across borders, and around the world.”

Dr. Flores also shared that the exhibit reflects the District’s commitment to celebrating culture as part of the student and community experience.

“At Alamo Colleges, education extends beyond classrooms,” Flores said. “Our students learn through culture, history, storytelling, and experiences that help them better understand themselves, their communities, and their place in the world. Hosting this exhibit at ACCESS gives our students and our community the opportunity to encounter history.”

Jiménez, a multiple Grammy Award winner, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and 2022 National Medal of Arts honoree, helped shape the sound of America’s Southwest and brought conjunto music to audiences around the world.

From the West Side to the World: Un Homenaje a Flaco Jiménez is on display at the Alamo Colleges District ACCESS Building’s Common Ground Gallery, located at 2222 N. Alamo St. The exhibit will remain open to the public through Friday, July 31, 2026.