Shrines made of clay and decorated with Mexican motifs that explore themes of immigration, labor and life in the United States shares a message of belonging and welcome at the El Camino College Art Gallery.

Art by Yvette Trujillo was curated by Dulce Stein for the “Mi Casa es su Casa” exhibition which opened Thursday, Oct. 30, and will end Monday, Dec. 1.

Trujillo, who has been an artist since 2015, said her work was inspired by what Latino families truly value.

“It’s about Milagros and ex-votos, which are like shrines that usually include saints. At first, I was thinking of things we love like food, but I chose household products because we cherish these products and we swear by them,” Trujillo said.

Stein, who has worked as an art curator for 15 years, said she was inspired to organize this exhibition by the artist’s creativity, taking things that are “very old school” and reimagining them.

“Yvette’s art is delicate and beautiful,” Stein said. “For example, she used familiar Mexican household items like soap and recreated them in clay. Even though her sculptures don’t have a scent, they bring nostalgia and memories.”

Stein said the exhibition’s title carries a meaning deeper than just a welcome.

“When you are an immigrant in strange place, you sometimes feel that you don’t belong and everything looks unfamiliar,” she said. “But when you find something that is close to your heart like home, it makes you feel safer. That’s what the phrase has. It makes people feel they belong and are protected.”

Student visitor Alyssa Nagahiro, said “El Grito de los Chapulines, 2025“ stood out to her among the artworks.

The piece celebrates agriculture, traditions and migration, showing a moment where grief and joy come together.

Trujillo said that she hopes her artwork helps people feel recognized and connected.

“I hope my work helps younger generations feel seen,” Trujillo said.