ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Laredo Center for the Arts Vandalized, Yvette Ibarra Arrested After Break-In

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-08

On April 1, Yvette Ibarra broke into and vandalized the Laredo Center for the Arts, leaving behind clear evidence of her actions. Board member Melissa Amici noted that two artworks were damaged: a print by Eric Avery and a sculptural chair by Angelica Raquel, along with a painting donated by Andres “Daddy Yonke” Padilla. Additional destruction included a 55-inch television, archival materials, furniture, restroom fixtures, food supplies, and art materials. Despite the incident, events like Third Space Thursdays and the Caminarte art walk proceeded as planned. A GoFundMe campaign initiated by Luis E. Sanchez has raised over $4,000 toward a $6,000 target, with total recovery costs estimated at $10,000. The community has shown strong support, with many local residents and organizations expressing solidarity.

Key facts

  • Vandalism occurred on Wednesday, April 1 at the Laredo Center for the Arts
  • Perpetrator Yvette Ibarra was arrested by Laredo Police Department
  • Damaged artworks include pieces by Eric Avery, Angelica Raquel, and Andres “Daddy Yonke” Padilla
  • A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $4,000 of a $6,000 goal
  • Total recovery costs estimated at $10,000 including security system installation
  • Scheduled events Third Space Thursdays and Caminarte art walk proceeded as planned
  • Artworks in the Contemporary Art Month group show were untouched
  • The center began formal art collection in 2020 aiming to create a contemporary art museum in Laredo

Entities

Artists

  • Eric Avery
  • Angelica Raquel
  • Andres “Daddy Yonke” Padilla
  • Cesar Martinez
  • Ethel Shipton

Institutions

  • Laredo Center for the Arts
  • Glasstire
  • LareDOS
  • Laredo Police Department
  • No Border Wall Coalition
  • Contemporary Art Month
  • Art Acquisition Project
  • GoFundMe
  • Laredo Cultural District

Locations

  • Laredo
  • United States
  • San Ygnacio
  • San Antonio

Sources