Sonia Romero Brings Bold New Exhibit to Catalina Museum, Blending Art and Island History

Catalina Island is about to get a splash of bold colors and vibrant storytelling as the Catalina Museum of Art & History presents “From Los Angeles to Catalina: The Art of Sonia Romero.” The exhibition, running from May 3 through September 27, 2025, showcases the work of acclaimed Los Angeles-based artist Sonia Romero, whose intricate silkscreen prints and mixed-media pieces are making their way to Avalon for a summer-long visual journey. Known for her striking paper-cutting and printmaking techniques, Romero draws inspiration from Chicano culture and California’s diverse landscapes. But her new series takes a more personal turn — diving into the layered history and nostalgic charm of Catalina Island itself. The exhibition features a collection of Romero’s iconic works alongside a brand-new, site-specific piece inspired by the island’s unique visual identity. Romero’s connection to Catalina runs deeper than the average visitor. Last summer, she spent time on the island, leading workshops and exploring the museum’s extensive archive of vintage Catalina ephemera. “I’ve always been fascinated by vintage graphics and ephemera,” Romero said. ‘I spent two whole days poring over old postcards, brochures, and ticket stubs. It’s a wonderful way to understand how the story of Catalina has been told over the...