Richard Henry "Hank" Lee, an aficionado of folk art, opened San Angel Folk Art Gallery in 1989 in San Antonio, Texas. Named after the culturally vibrant suburb in Mexico City, the gallery houses a vast collection of diverse and provocative folk, outsider, visionary, and vernacular art from artists across the globe. Hank, together with co-director Leigh Anne Lester and nationally recognized writer-performer and scholar Paul Bonin-Rodriguez, have carefully curated and maintained works from Mexico, Latin America, the United States, Europe, and Africa. This expansive collection also encompasses a wide range of themes, from traditional folk motifs to reflections on modern global issues. The gallery's dedication to supporting artists extends beyond showcasing their work, with a commitment to fostering respectful, fair-trade relationships, and providing direct financial support to artists and their communities. San Angel Folk Art Gallery is known for its dynamic display reminiscent of a Victorian curiosity shop, inviting visitors to explore and engage with the rich, diverse stories each piece tells. In their commitment to viewing folk art as a vital form of contemporary expression, the gallery continues to champion artists who challenge convention and contribute to the evolving conversation of what constitutes modern art.
Works from San Angel have been purchased by museums and collectors worldwide.