The San Antonio arts community was deeply saddened to hear news of Mary Cantú’s sudden death on February 18, 2025, at age 45. Cantú was a beloved member of the San Antonio arts community and served on the Contemporary’s Education Committee from 2014-2016. She was a resource and advocate during the development of the Contemporary’s Creative Classrooms program, with a shared passion for giving San Antonio children free access to art.

She co-founded Mini Art Museum in 2013 with Gabriela Santiago. The Mini Art Museum made use of standard office binders as gallery "walls" and invited artists to contribute artworks small enough to fit in 8.5-by-11-inch clear plastic sleeves. Distinctly, the Mini Art Museum features unique work by professional working artists in miniature format.

Magnifying glasses are also an endearing part of the experience, giving it a sense of wonder and provoking close observation. The collection of works that make up the Mini Art Museum were transferred to the Contemporary in spring of 2024 as Mary shifted away from managing some of the non-profit initiatives she founded.

In memoriam of Cantú, the Mini Art Museum will be exhibited in its entirety, featuring over 100 works, (Kim Bishop, Sarah Castillo, Michael Menchaca, and Vincent Valdez to name a few) a small reflection of the large impact Cantú made on the community.

Following the opening reception, the exhibit will be on view through June 7.