Preliminary identification

Amado M. Peña, Jr. Exhibition Poster, Hobar Gallery, November 1982

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is a vintage exhibition poster from November 1982 featuring the distinctive artwork of celebrated Chicano artist Amado M. Peña, Jr. The piece showcases his signature style, blending Native American figures, stylized landscapes, and geometric textile patterns into a harmonious, serene composition.

Story

In November 1982, the Hobar Gallery in Santa Barbara hosted a landmark exhibition for Amado Peña, Jr. This poster captured a moment when Chicano and Southwest indigenous art was transitioning from regional expression to national acclaim. The stylized bison and blanketed figures tell a story of enduring connection to the land.

Maker / Origin

Amado Maurilio Peña, Jr. is an acclaimed artist of Yaqui and Chicano heritage, born in Laredo, Texas in 1943. He became a key figure in the Chicano Movement of the 1970s, using his art to explore themes of identity, culture, and the sacred relationship between indigenous peoples and the Southwest landscape.

Condition & Value

The poster appears to be in good vintage condition, housed in a simple wood frame under glass. There is some minor dust and potential light foxing or debris visible near the top edge under the glass, but no major water damage or fading is apparent.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.

Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.