August 15-September 26, 2026
Reception with the Artists: Saturday, August 15 (6-8 PM).
Featuring music by Bnois King Band.
The Bath House Cultural Center presents La Guitarrizma!, an exhibition celebrating guitars, guitarists, and the enduring cultural impact of stringed instruments.
Dallas has long been home to extraordinary guitarists whose talent has enriched the city’s musical identity. From buskers performing on street corners to local and regional bands, and from internationally acclaimed guitar legends to emerging musicians, these artists have helped shape a vibrant and diverse music scene that continues to inspire generations.
La Guitarrizma! is a heartfelt tribute to Dallas musicians and to the broader community of guitarists whose artistry, passion, and creativity have moved audiences around the world. The exhibition features works inspired by the guitar itself, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media pieces that interpret the instrument’s iconic form, as well as artworks created directly on functional guitars.
While the guitar is the exhibition’s central theme, many of the works also honor the people who bring the instrument to life. The featured guitarists range from local musicians, including Chris Castañeda and Stephen Houpt, to internationally celebrated artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Lita Ford, Prince, and Lead Belly. No exhibition about guitar heroes in Dallas would be complete without Stevie Ray Vaughan. Born and raised in Oak Cliff, Vaughan became one of the world’s most influential guitarists, and his life and legacy are celebrated throughout the exhibition.
The exhibition’s lead artist, Jose Vargas, is joined by artists from across North Texas as well as Waco and San Antonio. Throughout his career, Jose has created works inspired by many influential musicians, reflecting his lifelong passion for music. Among these, however, his body of work dedicated to Stevie Ray Vaughan holds special personal significance. Jose had the privilege of meeting Vaughan decades ago, and his artwork pays tribute not only to Vaughan’s extraordinary musicianship but also to the generosity and warmth that defined him as a person. Several guest artists have also created works honoring the musician, recognizing his lasting influence on music and popular culture.
Alongside Jose Vargas’ art, the exhibition includes works by Paulina Altamirano, Grego Anderson, Lori Brennan, Tomas Bustos, Terry Calderon, Dwayne Carter, Enrique Fernández Cervantes, Jeremie Fletcher Bourcy, Jacque Forsher, Merry Fuhrer, Gustavo Gonzalez, Cynthia Green, Robert Hamilton, Juan J. Hernández, Genaro Hernández, Sherry Houpt, Rick Hublein, Karen Jacobi, Cindy Kelley, Braulio Lazón Conde, Skip Leralls, Cory Lind, J. Salvador López, Laurie Mahoney, Jorge Martinez, Eva Peña, Ivette Ramos Levy, Richard Ray, Raul Rodriguez, Johanna Roffino-Hulsey, Evan Sartin, Raul Servin, Joaquin Soto, Diana Torres, Samuel Torres, and Kyle Wood.
