Presentations, Research & Findings

Colorized and digitally enhanced photographs of Luis Quintanilla and other figures:

Find below a list for all research presentations and interviews conducted by our team.

Interviews and Presentations

Master's student Adam Cardenas-Sisk interviewing Dr. Esther Lopez Sobrado via Zoom, 28 September, 2022.

Christopher Wolff, UMKC Historian, interviews daughter of Bill Newby, Julie Dormbach.
Bill Newby was one of the models on Luis Quintanilla's murals.

Adam Cardenas-Sisk interviews Bill Montgomery, who modeled for Luis Quintanilla's murals when he was a child.

Alumna Victoria Dominguez giving a presentation to UM-System President, Dr. Mun Choi about student life at UMKC during Quintanilla's residency. Victoria was featured at the 2022 Undergraduate Day at the Missouri Capitol.

In Victoria's own words:

"My research is relevant to Missourians as it shows how higher-education institutions promote cultural engagement through students’ activities within and outside the classroom. While they were painted, Quintanilla’s murals were noted by the press and the local community. However, over time, they received less attention. I hope that my work helps these murals become noted beyond the walls of Haag Hall."

The Restoration Project

Cracks, scuffs and even a few punctured holes were spotted on the murals. The value of these pieces for humanistic inquiry in art, history, genealogy, cultural and literary studies led to the formation of this group dedicated to the restoration, preservation, and publicity of these murals.

For more information, visit our Team page.

Lectures-In-Person

1. Dr. López Sobrado and Dr. Gárate Llombart at UMKC, delivering a lecture about Luis Quintanilla. 6 March 2020.

2. Christine Delia, a doctoral candidate at the University of California, Berkeley delivers a talk about Luis Quintanilla and Don Quixote in the modern world. November 02, 2023.

The 66th Annual Missouri Conference on History

(Columbia, MO, March 13-15, 2024)

On March 14th, the research team which consisted of: Dr. Grieco, Dr. Villamandos, Christopher Wolff and Emmanuel Fabian visited Columbia, MO. Where they would attend and present at the 66th Annual Missouri Conference on History hosted by Courtyard By Marriott Hotel.

Christopher Wolff presented first, his topic being on: "Art with an International Vision: Artists, Politicians, and Professors at UMKC's Campus between 1938 and 1953." Dr. Grieco would give her presentation next on: "Liberal Arts Education and Student Life in the 1940s through the Art of Luis Quintanilla." And lastly but not least, Dr. Villamandos joined by Emmanuel Fabian would present together on their topic of: "The Return of The Knight of the Sorrowful Figure: The Quixotic Motif in Luis Quintanilla's University of Kansas City's Mural."

Check out this short video created by the UMKC History Department!