The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, has opened a landmark exhibition, The Selena Effect, celebrating the life, music, and cultural impact of Tejano icon Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. On view through December 6, 2026, the exhibit highlights Selena’s lasting appeal and continued relevance to future generations, more than three decades after her passing.
The Selena Effect features an extraordinary collection of rarely seen photographs, original fashion sketches, stage outfits, accessories, and personal items that capture Selena’s artistry both as a musician and as a fashion trailblazer. The exhibition includes photographs by her former publicist and music historian Ramon Hernández, along with work from renowned photographers Al Rendon, John Dyer, Scott Newton, and Sylvia Reyes. Art pieces from celebrated creators David Zamora Casas, Marc Burckhardt, and Sara Hickman are also on display.
A highlight of the exhibit is the inclusion of Selena’s fashion sketches, outfits, and a personal diary from her close friend and designer Martin Gomez, many of which are being shown publicly for the first time.
The Wittliff has long been a resource for Selena-related research, serving as a hub for television series, biographies, documentaries, and more. Collections such as the Ramon Hernandez Tejano and Conjunto Music Collection, the Patoski Collection, the Texas Monthly Collection, and the Doug Hanners Collection have been instrumental in preserving Selena’s story for new audiences.
Special Event: A Conversation with Martin Gomez
In conjunction with the exhibition, The Wittliff will host a special event at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 25, featuring a conversation with Martin Gomez, Selena’s fashion designer and confidant. Due to overwhelming interest, the event will be held in the Alkek Teaching Theater, located in the Alkek Library across the breezeway from The Wittliff galleries.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and seating is first-come, first-served. RSVPs are required, but they do not guarantee admission. The Wittliff galleries will remain open after the event until 9:00 p.m. RSVP for the September 25th event here.
Three decades after her death, Selena’s Grammy-winning achievements with Los Dinos, her boundary-breaking influence on Tejano music, and her lasting imprint on fashion and culture continue to inspire fans around the world. The Selena Effect honors that enduring light.
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