San Diego Musuem of Art Executive Director Roxana Velásquez receives 'Distinguished Mexicans' award

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Executive Director and CEO of the San Diego Musuem of Art (SDMA) Roxana Velásquez was recognized with the “Distinguished Mexicans” award on Monday during a celebration of Mexican Independence Day. 

The award is given through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to recognize people from the Mexican community who are making significant contributions to the “binational sphere.” The honor was presented to Velásquez by Ambassador Alicia Kerber, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego.  

“It is my great honor to receive this unique distinction,” Velásquez said. “Mexico’s 30 centuries of uninterrupted cultural and artistic creation have been exceptional training as I was raised in Mexico’s outstanding history and museology.” 

Velásquez’s work in the SDMA and throughout her career has been focused on “fostering intercultural dialogue within the San Diego community, as well as nationally and internationally,” according to a press release. 

She has also served as the Executive Director of the Museo Nacional de San Carlos, Museo Nacional de Arte (MUNAL) and Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City.  

At the SDMA, Velásquez has acquired iconic art pieces such as Jusepe de Ribera’s Saint Bartholomew, Francisco de Zurbarán’s Saint Francis in Prayer in a Grotto and Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida’s on the Seashore. Under her leadership, the museum has received over 1,100 works of art.  

“Roxana Velásquez is a Mexican with extraordinary talent and vision,” Kerber said. “With a life dedicated to the study and knowledge of art, Roxana has taken the mission of cultural promotion to its highest level, giving Mexican art and artists privileged spaces for exhibition.” 

Velásquez plans for expanding its west wing to “profoundly transform” the concept of the museum for its 100th anniversary next year. 

“It is a true honor to share art and culture from Mexico with San Diego and our global communities and provide unique perspectives of my home country,” Velásquez said. “Our current exhibition featuring Mexican artist Alfredo Castañeda is a perfect example.”