A new exhibit at the Alamo Colleges Common Ground Gallery in San Antonio is honoring the life and legacy of Tex-Mex music legend Leonardo ‘Flaco’ Jimenez. The exhibit, titled ‘From the West Side to the World: Un Homenaje a Flaco Jimenez,’ features vintage family photos, concert footage, and memorabilia showcasing Jimenez’s contribution to the Tejano music scene.

Life and Legacy

Jimenez, known as the ‘King of Conjunto,’ was a multi-Grammy-winning artist born in San Antonio on March 11, 1939. He passed away on July 31, 2025. The exhibit was made possible by Jimenez’s son, Arturo, who approached Eric Castillo, associate vice chancellor for Arts, Culture and Community Impact at Alamo Colleges, with the idea of presenting the exhibit after a Flaco piece created by international artist Vincent Valdez was purchased by the gallery.

The exhibit includes parts of Flaco’s wardrobe and his prized accordion encased in glass, giving visitors a glimpse into the life of the master musician. According to Castillo, the exhibit aims to tell the story of Jimenez’s life, from his time in the Korean War to his relationship with his father and his impact on the South Texas regional music scene and international appeal.

‘For me, I’m all about the hands and heart of people. And when we see their heart and their hands, and their accordions, and their awards, and their clothing, it just makes it feel more real,’ said Castillo. ‘It makes it feel like Flaco is here with us.’

The exhibit runs through July 31st at the Common Ground Gallery in the Alamo College ACCESS Building at 2222 North Alamo Street.

Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.