Rebels with La Causa: Royal Chicano Air Force Art and Activism, 1970-1990 explores the expansive production and creative impact of the Royal Chicano Air Force (RCAF), one of the Chicano Movement’s most prolific and consequential artist collectives. Beginning in 1970 at Sacramento State University, the group produced individual artworks and group murals, as well as posters for educational, cultural, and political activities. The RCAF’s transformation into a broader collective not only initiated an explosion of Chicano art exhibitions, literary events, performances, and community celebrations, but also expanded civic and political engagement. While RCAF posters served as announcements for these wide-ranging activities, they also redefined Chicana/o art as well as the history of art and activism in the United States.

This exhibit is part of an overall regional celebration of the RCAF, acknowledging 50 years of existence. It is one of multiple partnering exhibitions that occur from Jan-June, 2026.