Senator Frank L. Madla

The Works of Lionel Sosa
Lionel Sosa was raised in humble neighborhoods of San Antonio’s west side, it was an upbringing filled with the rich elements of Mexican-American culture. As a young man, he served his country in the United States Marine Corp until his creative talents landed him in the advertising business.

This Tejano Renaissance man is well known for his ability to connect with Hispanic-American markets as both a political consultant and advertising pioneer. In 1995, Sosa retired from his highly successful advertising business to devote more time to his family and to his painting alongside his wife, Kathy Sosa.

In addition to being a naturally talented artist, he is an accomplished writer, authoring three books and coauthoring two more.  In 2005, Sosa was recognized as one of the 25 most influential Hispanics in America by Time Magazine.  He was also named to the Texas Business Hall of fame. Today, the artist devotes much of his energy serving on various nonprofit boards in San Antonio.

The artist says this of his paintings, “I am not so much trying to paint a likeness as I am the essence of the person.”

“Whatever I do, I do it with a passion.”--- Lionel Sosa

Lionel Sosa (American, b. 20^th Century)
Senator Frank L. Madla
Oil on canvas
Signed l.r.
40 x 30 inches

Frank Madla was a tireless advocate for San Antonio and South Texas during his 33 years as a Democratic member of the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas State Senate until his untimely death in November 2006. He collaborated with Senator Joe Farias for 12 years to bring Texas A&M-San Antonio to the forefront. 

In 2005, Madla wrote the bill later passed by the Texas Legislature authorizing the creation of A&M-SA.  Further, during the special legislative session of 2006 he convinced his fellow legislators to pass $40 million in tuition revenue bonds to make Texas A&M-San Antonio a reality.

Those who served in Texas government knew Madla as a dedicated public servant; as well as, a mentor.  Though this committed and forward thinking man did not live to see the opening of this building, his undying spirit can be felt when viewing the portrait, which does indeed capture his essence as a visionary leader.