Really Small Museum Presents: Ralph Anthony Pacheco

Ralph Anthony Pacheco Modern & Historical Indigenous Ornamentation of Texas, 2026 Botanical Jewelry Instagram@mescalcreative | Facebook: @ralph.a.pacheco | @MescalCreative On view at the Austin Nature & Science Center September & October (Regular hours- PLEASE NOTE: ANSC will be closed September 28- Oct 13) MEET & GREET with THE ARTIST | CONOZCA AL ARTISTA: September 27: 9-11 am at the installation. A shadowbox installation by Austin based artist Ralph Anthony Pacheco, an 8th generation resident of San Antonio mission San Jose. His heritage is Texas Lipan Apaches, the mission Indian servants brought from the northern Mexican line of missions, and the local Indians found along the San Antonio River. Central Texas was never rich in gemstones or precious metals, so unlike the silver and turquoise pieces seen in Arizona, they were little used here. From the earliest reports of the Spanish from Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca in his journeys, most tribes he encountered wore “mescal beans” which were the seeds of the Texas Mountain Laurel tree as their ornamentation. Indeed they were traded among many tribes due to their vibrant colors. Using the simple materials of his ancestors, Ralph presents three examples of traditional jewelry. The first is the oldest simplest style; the second, showing the impact of the Spaniards and the different materials they brought, which were incorporated by the local people; and finally, Ralph’s modern creation, discplayed alongside the materials in their original state.The Really Small Museum is brought to you by artist & curator: JulietWhitsett.com | @juliet_whitsett_art| @ReallySmallMuseum_atx This project is supported in part by an Elevate Grant of Austin Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment.