Mujeres of 2026
Pat Charette
By La Prensa Texas staff · Apr 30, 2026
Read in the original edition on IssuuBorn and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Pat Charette, a talented Mexican Folk Artist, discovered her passion for art at an early age. While attending Longfellow Middle School, she began exploring her creativity, and by the 7th grade, she created a 3’x3’ tapestry of a young girl made from burlap and felt. The piece, along with six others, was selected for display at Crossroads Mall, an early achievement that revealed her natural artistic ability.
Encouraged by her parents, Pat enrolled in beginner art classes at the Witte Museum, where she explored various mediums and expanded her artistic vision. Her childhood experiences visiting family in Mexico played a pivotal role in shaping her style. Surrounded by vibrant colors in paintings, homes, and gardens, she developed a deep appreciation for bold expression, something that continues to define her work today. After graduating high school, she spent 10 years working office jobs before dedicating 25 years as an IT Instructor for the government.
Despite her professional career, her passion for art never faded. In 2009, she co-founded “Artwerx Alley,” a local gallery in San Antonio that became a creative space for artists. During this time, her work gained wider recognition, including a feature with PBS affiliate KLRN in 2010 for a Día de los Muertos segment. She later stepped away from the gallery to explore new artistic paths and continue growing her craft. Her work has received notable recognition over the years.
In 2015, her design was selected as the official poster for Fiesta’s “Piñatas in the Barrio,” and in 2016, her Día de los Muertos altar was featured in Texas Monthly magazine. As a Mexican Folk Artist, she works across a wide range of mediums including canvas, furniture, textiles, mosaic, and mixed media. She is especially known for incorporating recycled and found objects into her assemblage work. More recently, she has expanded into mural art, bringing large-scale cultural storytelling to life.
In February 2026, she married her husband, fellow professional artist Damian Charette, who has become both her partner and a major source of inspiration. Together, in March 2026, they completed a large-scale mural honoring Women’s History Month at Basila Frocks, a revitalized historic building on San Antonio’s West Side. The mural spans multiple walls and serves as a vibrant tribute to culture, history, and empowerment.
Her work continues to be rooted in culture, color, and corazón, telling stories of heritage, identity, and lived experience. Through every piece, she aims to create joy, connection, and meaning for those who encounter her art. She remains committed to her passion, continuing to create art for those who appreciate its beauty and significance.
