More Than a Memory: Del Rio Hosts Exclusive Debut of Hidden Selena History

Selena Quintanilla never left the hearts of Del Rio, especially after her notorious performance at the local Civic Center in 1986. While decades have passed since the Queen of Tejano’s legacy began, a recent event at the Del Rio Council for the Arts proved that her connection to this city is more than just a memory—it is a vibrant, enduring piece of Tejano culture.

Madison Hailey 6 months ago 0

The words 'Con Tanto Amor' elegantly written on a floor with a textured surface, with a decorative rope barrier and a disco ball nearby.

DEL RIO, TX — Selena Quintanilla never left the hearts of Del Rio, especially after her notorious performance at the local Civic Center in 1986. While decades have passed since the Queen of Tejano’s legacy began, a recent event at the Del Rio Council for the Arts proved that her connection to this city is more than just a memory—it is a vibrant, enduring piece of Tejano culture.

Three men standing together outdoors near a large window, holding a poster of a woman and carrying tote bags. — From left: Al Rendon, Martin Gomez, and Matthew Lebroke.

A Departure from the Ordinary

The exhibition, titled “Con Tanto Amor,” functioned as a world premiere for historical artifacts that have remained in the private hands of her designer and photographer for nearly 30 years.

The exhibition was the result of a six-month coordination effort led by Matthew Lebroke. Since October, Lebroke sought to move beyond the traditional “market” format typical of local celebrations, opting instead to bring a museum-quality experience to Del Rio.

“I wanted to see what we could bring or do differently,” Lebroke stated. That angle led him to secure a collaboration with the primary architects of Selena’s visual brand: her fashion designer and her personal photographer.

The Designer’s Archive: An Exclusive First Look

In a small town where residents are often the last to see major cultural trends or national exclusives, Lebroke delivered a rare “first” for the community. The exhibit features three re-illustrated fashion sketches by Martin Gomez, Selena’s longtime costume designer—presented in color for the very first time.

Three fashion sketches displayed in black frames, featuring elegant gown designs. The first sketch shows a model in a yellow and black dress, the second in a purple gown, and the third in a dramatic ruffled black outfit. — Exclusive re-colored sketches

Having remained in Gomez’s private collection since the 1990s, these are the only the second copies of these colorized versions in existence. Lebroke secured these pieces specifically for this display—giving local residents an exclusive look in a town that truly mirrors her culture.

Gemini said

Rendon’s Private Archive: Unseen Images Debut in Del Rio

This historical moment for the city was further fueled by the involvement of Al Rendon. As the photographer behind Selena’s most iconic album covers, Rendon opened his private archives for the first time in thirty years just for this exhibit.

A black and white wall display featuring various framed photographs and artworks of a music artist, including a notable piece that reads 'Selena dreaming of you'. — Photo by 830 Press

Rendon provided a series of photographs from a Selena fashion show—images that had remained hidden from the public eye since they were taken. By choosing Del Rio to debut these unseen works, these industry legends have reaffirmed the city’s deep-rooted status in the Tejano music world, proving that the heart of the culture doesn’t just belong in big cities, but in the towns that truly lived it and feel it every day.

While the “Con Tanto Amor” celebration was a special one-night engagement, the historical exhibit remains open to the public through April 27, 2026.

Location: Del Rio Council for the Arts, 120 E. Garfield St., Del Rio, TX 78840

Exhibit Hours:

Tuesday – Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Monday, Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED

The exhibit stands as a testament to a legacy that, for Del Rio, has never truly faded. Residents are encouraged to visit and experience this “living history” before the archives return to private hands.