New York City’s dynamic and exploratory art scene of the early 1930s included exposure to the bold work being done by Los Tres Grandes—José Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, and David Siqueiros—the “Big Three” of Mexico’s muralism movement.

Although throughout her life Annette Nancarrow would enjoy other relationships, “Stevie,” as she called Louis Stephens, would be the love of her life. He was a compelling man—they could not resist each other.

Europe is at war and US involvement imminent. For those Europeans living and working in Mexico City, concerns mount about displaced relatives, and immigrants pour into the country. Louis Stephens enlists against Annette’s wishes.