Exhibition opening | Meli Bandera: “Generation Gaps: Odes to Familial Memories.”

Meli Bandera (they/them) crafts soft altars built from paper, felt, and wool to capture the memories of those who came before them: the scent of their grandmother’s garden after she waters it, the rhythmic thump of a lawnmower on a summer afternoon, or the shared sweetness of bolis enjoyed with loved ones. Bandera builds these memories into tangible forms, acknowledging the gaps and absences that shape our understanding of family history.

Bandera’s fiber-based artworks are devotional gestures, mirroring the way memories shift and transform over time. Imagine a watermelon lemonade that will never be made by an abuela again, or a bisabuela walking to the centro for water. These are the threads Bandera pulls from, using recycled pulp, cochineal dye, and wool to create pieces that feel both ancient and present. These works are a form of time travel, using softness and humor to stretch grief and joy across eras.

“Generation Gaps” opens with an evening event at the Civil Rights Heritage Center on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 6:00 – 7:30 PM. Light refreshments will be served as you experience Bandera’s deeply moving work. The exhibit remains on view through December 10 during the Center's public hours.

Details at crhc.iusb.edu.