New exhibition 'The Selena Effect' celebrates Tejano star Quintanilla

A 1993 photo of Selena from a shoot at Corpus Christi Memorial Coliseum by photographer Al Rendon is one of several in "The Selena Effect," a new exhibit at The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University in San Marcos.

The life and career of Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla Pérez is being honored in the exhibition, with many items displayed for the first time. The exhibit celebrates her life, musical achievements, fashion, and legacy.

"Three decades after her death, singer Selena Quintanilla Pérez’s light burns brighter than ever," the news release says, describing her Grammy-winning work in the early 1990s. "But that fabled musical journey is eclipsed by Selena’s impact as a cultural touchstone, inspirational story, tragic figure and pop icon."

Items featured include photographs, original fashion sketches, outfits, fashion accessories, and a diary belonging to Selena's close friend and fashion designer Martin Gomez.

The Wittliff will host a special event featuring Gomez at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25, following a reception at 6:30 p.m. The event is free, but reservations are required due to limited space.

The exhibition is free to view and will remain on display through Saturday, Dec. 6. It is located within the Wittliff Collections at Texas State University, on the seventh floor of the Albert B. Alkek Library in San Marcos.

Guests may visit during operating hours:

• Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday: 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.

The Wittliff Collections may be closed for holidays.