Sam Coronado

Sam Coronado (October 19, 1946 – November 11, 2013) was a Mexican-American artist, educator, and activist known for his contributions to the Chicano art movement, especially through his work in printmaking. He founded the Serie Project, a non-profit organization aimed at providing emerging and underrepresented artists access to printmaking, and Coronado Studio, a print studio in Austin, Texas. Coronado's work and advocacy significantly advanced Latino representation in the American art world.

Early life and education Sam Coronado was born in Ennis, Texas, on October 19, 1946. Raised in a working-class Mexican-American family, he experienced firsthand the racial and social disparities that influenced much of his later work. Coronado’s experiences during the Vietnam War, where he served in the U.S. Army, deepened his awareness of social issues and the need for representation of marginalized communities.

Career and artistic contributions Coronado began his career as a commercial artist, but quickly shifted to fine art, using screen printing as his primary medium. In 1993, he founded Coronado Studio in Austin, Texas, which would later give rise to his most significant project: The Serie Project. The Serie Project, also founded in 1993, was a non-profit initiative providing artists—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—free access to screen printing facilities. Each artist had the opportunity to create a limited-edition print with guidance from Coronado and his team. Over the course of two decades, the Serie Project produced more than 250 prints, promoting the work of Chicano, Latino, and other minority artists.

In addition to his printmaking, Coronado was a passionate educator, teaching art at Austin Community College, where he worked to cultivate the next generation of artists. His mentorship of students and emerging artists helped ensure that the values of inclusivity, cultural pride, and community remained central to his legacy. His contributions to art and education have been honored by institutions such as Austin Community College, which reflects on his role in “Cultivating Community through Art”—a legacy that lives on in both the local art scene and nationally.

Exhibitions and public collections Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C. Mexic-Arte Museum, Austin, Texas Austin Convention Center, Austin, Texas Austin Community College, Austin, Texas