Schroeder Hall Gallery opening reception and presentation: “PUNKROCKER: Music and Activism in the Heartland”

This exhibition presents black-and-white photographs as both veil and mirror to our times, created in response to the rise of an American fascist regime. The images capture the local resistance—its rage, beauty, and solidarity—spanning generations, faiths, and identities. Born from a lifelong love of punk sparked at 16, when Sonny Garcia first dove into a mosh pit at an Uptown Normal show in the 1980s, his work channels punk’s raw defiance and radical love for community.

This event is open to all. We hope you will join us for an opening reception to celebrate this impressive exhibit and to hear from the photographer, Sonny Garcia, about the mission of this project. 

The 2025-26 gallery exhibit is a collaboration between the Department of Sociology & Anthropology, the Latin America and Latino/a Studies Program, and the Wonsook Kim School of Art. It advocates for authenticity and honor for every culture that diversifies and strengthens our planet AND community.