About Artist Jesse Rodriguez

I always start with a memory. My memories are like a slideshow.

I try to convey a sense of personal history in my paintings to keep that history alive as the world around us changes. My work gets into people’s hearts and minds, and reminds them where they came from. I love when my paintings trigger memories in other people. It’s a shared history, like watching a bright and colorful slideshow together.        

Rodriguez draws from deep cultural roots established while growing up in a Houston barrio, Magnolia Park. His works are acrylic paintings and sculptural assemblages of architectural salvage, photographs and cultural ephemera. They can be found in major collections including Gilberto Cárdenas and David Duthu.

He attended the Art Institute of Houston. For a decade, he directed the graphic design department for a packaging company, creating new work for clients as varied as NASA, Penzoil, Hanes, and Brianna Salad Dressings. Returning to his first love, painting.

Transforming a shuttered YWCA into an art gallery called Magnolia Grown, Rodriguez held his first solo art show in October, 2017, fulfilling his childhood dream of showing his art in the building where his whole community had often gathered. It was the first art gallery opening ever held in Magnolia Park. 500 people attended the opening, astonishing local arts leaders.

In April, 2019, he was invited to participate in Latino Art Now! a national conference organized by the Inter-University Program for Latino Research, that year hosted by the University of Houston, and held at venues throughout the city. He curated a show called Honoring the Masters, selecting original works by legendary artists with ties to Houston: Daniel Lechón, Mario González and Leo Tanguma, all of whom loaned works and came in person.

His art and community advocacy has been covered by the Houston Chronicle, The Venture (online), and on Houston’s ABC13 TV. He has launched two successful clothing and accessories brands: Magnolia Grown and Mi Vida Costa.

Jesse’s dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of Magnolia Park led him to establish Magnolia Park Arts & Community, a nonprofit committed to providing inclusive arts and culture programs for the underserved community. Under his leadership as president, the organization has developed La Escuelita, an educational initiative, and plans to showcase artists in La Casita. His commitment to community enrichment has earned recognition from Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia, and State Senator Carol Alvarado. He was also highlighted in the East End Cultural Arts Strategic Plan as a community hero whose work "should be the highest priority for microgrant targeting."

On February 15, 2024, U.S. Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia of Texas recognized Jesse E. Rodriguez, also known as Magnolia Grown, in the Congressional Record. Speaking on the House floor, Garcia congratulated Rodriguez for his sculpture Dalé Shine being selected for The Cheech and praised him for representing Houston's art community while staying true to his roots. His work and Magnolia Park’s cultural heritage were officially acknowledged in the Congressional Record, a historic recognition of his artistic and community impact.

Rodriguez’s influence continues to expand beyond Houston. His sculpture Dalé Shine is now on view and part of the permanent collection at The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, known as The Cheech, in Riverside, California—the world’s first museum dedicated to Chicano art. This recognition further cemented his place in the national Chicano art movement.

Currently, Rodriguez is exhibiting Corazón de Mi Madre, a sculpture dedicated to his mother, Veronica Rodriguez, at the Muckenthaler Gallery in Los Angeles—his first California art show. He is also one of the featured artists for the 9th Annual Houston Latino Film Festival, further solidifying his presence in Houston’s cultural scene.

In addition to his nonprofit work, he is exploring plans to open a small bookstore in Magnolia Park to further support the neighborhood’s cultural and literary needs.

Jesse lives and creates in Houston with his wife, JoAnna, their two adult children, grandson and family cat. You can follow him on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok @MagnoliaGrown.