Carlos Cortéz, one of Chicago’s most important social justice artists working in the 20th century, entrusted his art and effects - including most of his print blocks - to the National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA). In keeping with his values, Cortéz requested NMMA to create new prints should his artwork become unaffordable to working people. As part of our activities around the Carlos Cortéz 100 AÑOS (8/13/23-2/18/24) exhibition, NMMA commissioned the Instituto Gráfico de Chicago printmaking collective to recreate three of Carlos Cortéz's iconic print blocks in order to make new copies.

Framed and unframed prints from the three re-created blocks are now available for purchase by clicking on the "Purchase Prints" button at the top right side of this page.

Carlos Cortéz loved that NMMA is a community-based organization committed to providing free admission to visitors and free arts education for youth. By purchasing a print, you show that you share these values. All proceeds raised from the print sales will go to support Yollocalli Arts Reach, NMMA's award-winning youth initiative located in Chicago's Little Village - La Villita - neighborhood.

Since 1997, "Yollo" has provided unique, creative development opportunities to young adults (ages 13-25) in Pilsen, Little Village and the surrounding communities. Throughout the course of the year Yollocalli offers various opportunities, such as after school and summer programs, internships, community workshops, and special events. Yollo provides a safe space for youth to not only grow as artists, storytellers, architects, designers and journalists, but to also become active members in their communities. Every program and event offered by Yollocalli is free of charge.

Purchase a print for a friend, a family member, a client or for your own wall and support youth programming in Little Village! These numbered prints out of a series of 100 will come with a Certificate of Authenticity from NMMA.

The price for a framed print is $300 while an unframed print is $100. Framed prints will be ready for pick up from NMMA beginning December 19th. Unframed prints are ready for pick up now and may also be shipped for an additional fee. Please contact Lisa Polderman at lisa@nmmart.org with any questions.

Image credits (clockwise from top left):

Instituto Gráfico de Chicago, Carlos Cortéz Reprint of "José Guadalupe Posada (1981)", carved by Carlos Barberena, 2023, linocut 2/100 on BFK Rives Paper, 24" x 18"

Instituto Gráfico de Chicago, Carlos Cortéz Reprint of "Joe Hill", carved by Eric Gasca, 2023, linocut 2/100 on BFK Rives Paper, 24" x 18"

Instituto Gráfico de Chicago, Carlos Cortéz Reprint of "La lucha continúa", carved by José Luis Gutierrez and Salvador Jiménez-Flores, 2023, linocut 2/100 on BFK Rives Paper, 24" x 18"

Sale of Carlos Cortéz Prints (recreated by IGC)

By National Museum of Mexican Art

Sale of Carlos Cortéz Prints (recreated by IGC)

Purchase a print and support NMMA's youth initiative, Yollocalli Arts Reach!