MARIA ELENA TORRALVA
Executive Director, Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center

Maria Elena Torralva is the Executive Director of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, one of San Antonio's most important Hispanic cultural institutions and the largest of its kind in the nation. Torralva first served as interim executive director for the organization, then became permanent in 1999. One of her most significant achievements since assuming the helm of the Guadalupe has been the award of a $1million challenge grant from the Ford Foundation to strengthen GCAC's endowment and working capital funds. The Guadalupe was the only Latino-based arts institution in the country to receive this award. Torralva is well-known for her civic and community work in San Antonio.

Maria Elena Torralva stands in front of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Theater located in the heart of San Antonio's Westside. Torralva grew up in this neighborhood and is proud she has come "full circle" back to her roots.

Torralva among the arts and crafts moments before the Hecho a Mano gala preview.

Hecho a Mano poster displayed in the theater's window. The show was initiated in 1986 and is always a much anticipated event during the Christmas season.

Over 300 people attended the Hecho a Mano opening on November 30, 2000, the most successful turnout ever.

A sea of bright colors encompass this display of beautifully handcrafted huipiles from various villages in Guatemala and Mexico at Hecho a Mano.

A stunning ceramic vase featured at Hecho a Mano.

Logo of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center.

Neon sign on top of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Theater.

A poster from the Guadalupe's Tejano Conjunto Festival held annually in May. It is one of San Antonio's major musical events of the year featuring the finest conjunto groups, both traditional and progressive. Initiated in 1981, the festival attracts conjunto enthusiasts nationwide as well as from Europe and Japan.

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Mariana Ornelas