Chris Baca: I was born in the South Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico. I have lived in the West Central area for 45 years. I am the founder of the YDI Yes Housing Inc. and I’ve spent 47 years working in the the non-profit providing much needed resources. I am an amateur artist and work mostly with acrylics.

Chris Baca:

I was born in the South Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico. I have lived in the West Central area for 45 years. I am the founder of the YDI Yes Housing Inc. and I’ve spent 47 years working in the the non-profit providing much needed resources. I am an amateur artist and work mostly with acrylics.

Jeanette Baca:I was born and raised in the South Valley in Albuquerque. I lived the first 25 years of my life just off of Bridge Blvd. where my parents purchased a small home in 1950 when I was born. After getting married, my husband and I moved into a house in the Southwest Mesa and we have remained in it and have made it our home for the last 44 years just a few blocks away from Central Ave. We have proudly raised our two sons in the same house. I have worked in the community for 27 years as an organizer and have never forgotten my roots or where I come from. This painting pays homage to the beautiful migration of cranes in our beautiful Land of Enchantment. These beautiful creatures and their beauty have had a profound influence in my life.

Jeanette Baca:

I was born and raised in the South Valley in Albuquerque. I lived the first 25 years of my life just off of Bridge Blvd. where my parents purchased a small home in 1950 when I was born. After getting married, my husband and I moved into a house in the Southwest Mesa and we have remained in it and have made it our home for the last 44 years just a few blocks away from Central Ave. We have proudly raised our two sons in the same house. I have worked in the community for 27 years as an organizer and have never forgotten my roots or where I come from. This painting pays homage to the beautiful migration of cranes in our beautiful Land of Enchantment. These beautiful creatures and their beauty have had a profound influence in my life.

Tony Barros:

Growing up, I spent my first few years being raised in the San Jose area in the City of Albuquerque and my family moved to the West Central area when I was a child, in the early sixties. I have been interested in art since I was 15 years old. I am a self-taught carpenter and custom woodworker who has been doing wood carving and craft for over 50 years. I remember we use to go to the Tastee Freeze and eat chimichanga burritos. When we moved to the West Central area, it was our house and then puro llano. We used to walk everywhere, from West Central to the El Rey Theater, Kimo Theater, and the Sunshine Theater to watch movies.

David Beherns: I am blessed to be an artist living in New Mexico. The richness of Native and Pueblo culture not only saturates the landscape but also inspires artists like myself. The themes of my paintings weave together the diverse elements of Native culture. From history to social justice to the protection of our sacred earth, as an artist I am attempting to light a spark in the imaginations of others. I have had a gallery in historic Old Town for the past 10 years and I’ve experienced firsthand that art changes you from the inside out. I am so fortunate to be a stone’s throw away from the “Mother Road”, Historic Route 66.

David Beherns:

I am blessed to be an artist living in New Mexico. The richness of Native and Pueblo culture not only saturates the landscape but also inspires artists like myself. The themes of my paintings weave together the diverse elements of Native culture. From history to social justice to the protection of our sacred earth, as an artist I am attempting to light a spark in the imaginations of others. I have had a gallery in historic Old Town for the past 10 years and I’ve experienced firsthand that art changes you from the inside out. I am so fortunate to be a stone’s throw away from the “Mother Road”, Historic Route 66.

Franchesco!:When I relocated out West from Chicago, navigation directed me to travel “Route 66” to reach my Arizona destination. Like a moth to a flame in search of a better life…I loaded up the Uhaul with all of my worldly belongings, pushed the pedal to the metal and never looked back. I distinctly remember thinking how I could totally see myself living here as I drove through Albuquerque. Not sure what it was exactly but the “feeling” was undeniable…it just felt right! Once I settled in Arizona, I started getting invites to exhibit at Comic Con held at the Albuquerque Convention Center. After ComicCon wrapped up each year, it became more and more difficult for me to leave. My desire to “go home” just wasn’t there, it felt like I was already home.

Franchesco!:

When I relocated out West from Chicago, navigation directed me to travel “Route 66” to reach my Arizona destination. Like a moth to a flame in search of a better life…I loaded up the Uhaul with all of my worldly belongings, pushed the pedal to the metal and never looked back. I distinctly remember thinking how I could totally see myself living here as I drove through Albuquerque. Not sure what it was exactly but the “feeling” was undeniable…it just felt right! Once I settled in Arizona, I started getting invites to exhibit at Comic Con held at the Albuquerque Convention Center. After ComicCon wrapped up each year, it became more and more difficult for me to leave. My desire to “go home” just wasn’t there, it felt like I was already home.

Franchesco!:Get Your Kicks

Franchesco!:

Get Your Kicks

Cassidy Gallegos:I am an artist from northern New Mexico that is currently residing in Albuquerque. I have a special connection to the West Central area because that was where my grandparents lived. Growing up there are so many happy memories visiting my grandparents, and this area reminds me of warmth and coming together with the people you love. These memories will always be extremely special to me. www.cassidygallegos.myportfolio.com

Cassidy Gallegos:

I am an artist from northern New Mexico that is currently residing in Albuquerque. I have a special connection to the West Central area because that was where my grandparents lived. Growing up there are so many happy memories visiting my grandparents, and this area reminds me of warmth and coming together with the people you love. These memories will always be extremely special to me. www.cassidygallegos.myportfolio.com

Moises Gonzales:I grew up along West Central living in the North Atrisco area of 47th street and Atrisco Drive and later off of Riverview Road. I’m a lifelong skateboarder and grew up skating the parking lots of Atrisco Plaza, Pat Hurly Park, and bombing Atrisco hill with the neighborhood skate crew. My same skateboard crew built lowrider bikes and would show off their artistic creations by cruising from Atrisco Plaza and San Gabriel park on Sunday afternoons. Although today I am a resident of Carnuel, I still participate in “Los Comanche” dances with Los Comanches de Atrisco that dance in honor of Santo Nino near the historic plaza site of Atrisco. The memories of cruising West Central and Pat Hurley Park as well as my connection to the cultural rituals of the Atrisco community are major cultural influences for my art work.

Moises Gonzales:

I grew up along West Central living in the North Atrisco area of 47th street and Atrisco Drive and later off of Riverview Road. I’m a lifelong skateboarder and grew up skating the parking lots of Atrisco Plaza, Pat Hurly Park, and bombing Atrisco hill with the neighborhood skate crew. My same skateboard crew built lowrider bikes and would show off their artistic creations by cruising from Atrisco Plaza and San Gabriel park on Sunday afternoons. Although today I am a resident of Carnuel, I still participate in “Los Comanche” dances with Los Comanches de Atrisco that dance in honor of Santo Nino near the historic plaza site of Atrisco. The memories of cruising West Central and Pat Hurley Park as well as my connection to the cultural rituals of the Atrisco community are major cultural influences for my art work.

Lorenzo Lopez: I have lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico my entire life. I grew up in the west gate community. I started this project about Mi Persona , which is about my family’s last name, Lopez. My spirit animal is a wolf, I am part of the wolf family, my last name Lopez means Lope, Lobo, Lupin , My mother showed me our family crest which had the knight shield of a wolf and our last name at the bottom.

Lorenzo Lopez:

I have lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico my entire life. I grew up in the west gate community. I started this project about Mi Persona , which is about my family’s last name, Lopez. My spirit animal is a wolf, I am part of the wolf family, my last name Lopez means Lope, Lobo, Lupin , My mother showed me our family crest which had the knight shield of a wolf and our last name at the bottom.

Sonia Luevano:After graduating with a degree in Visual Arts, my surreal style developed. I am a painter, craftsman, designer, carpenter, and a photographer. In my artwork you can see elements from my photo-realistic creatures rooted into an abstract scene, to my handmade gallery-wrapped canvases made in my studio. Focusing on oil painting, I aim to live for art and to apply the romanticized philosophies of surrealism into all aspects of life. Part of my ideal is to make the world a more beautiful place by expressing true beauty in an imperfect world. www.xlessthan3art.com

Sonia Luevano:

After graduating with a degree in Visual Arts, my surreal style developed. I am a painter, craftsman, designer, carpenter, and a photographer. In my artwork you can see elements from my photo-realistic creatures rooted into an abstract scene, to my handmade gallery-wrapped canvases made in my studio. Focusing on oil painting, I aim to live for art and to apply the romanticized philosophies of surrealism into all aspects of life. Part of my ideal is to make the world a more beautiful place by expressing true beauty in an imperfect world. www.xlessthan3art.com

Stanley Olivarez:I came to Albuquerque to visit my maternal side of my family in 1980. That first week one of my cousins picked me up to go check out the Rio Grande River that I had never seen. We parked along the road at Tingley Beach and walking into the bosque we finally came to a big open space of sand. We walked out to the middle to a strip of water no more than a foot wide and he solemnly announced, “This is the Rio Grande River, what do you think?” I looked at the small strip of water and to each far side from the strip of water and told him, “These are the biggest river banks I’ve ever seen.” Some weeks later I crossed the Central Ave. Bridge at the Rio Grande and noticed a lot of water! I pulled over and walked back to the bridge and stared in wonder at the now mighty Rio Grande flowing under the bridge and wide from bank to bank and as far as I could see upstream and downstream. To this day as I head West on Central and pass the Rio Grande Bridge this memory plays back in my mind and brings up a small smile on my face as I pass into the Westside.

Stanley Olivarez:

I came to Albuquerque to visit my maternal side of my family in 1980. That first week one of my cousins picked me up to go check out the Rio Grande River that I had never seen. We parked along the road at Tingley Beach and walking into the bosque we finally came to a big open space of sand. We walked out to the middle to a strip of water no more than a foot wide and he solemnly announced, “This is the Rio Grande River, what do you think?” I looked at the small strip of water and to each far side from the strip of water and told him, “These are the biggest river banks I’ve ever seen.” Some weeks later I crossed the Central Ave. Bridge at the Rio Grande and noticed a lot of water! I pulled over and walked back to the bridge and stared in wonder at the now mighty Rio Grande flowing under the bridge and wide from bank to bank and as far as I could see upstream and downstream. To this day as I head West on Central and pass the Rio Grande Bridge this memory plays back in my mind and brings up a small smile on my face as I pass into the Westside.

Josh Patterson: I grew up in the West Central area. Growing up I was influenced by life on West Central. I’ve had the honor of working on a mural with students from South Valley Academy. The mural is dedicated to women and their role in history.

Josh Patterson:

I grew up in the West Central area. Growing up I was influenced by life on West Central. I’ve had the honor of working on a mural with students from South Valley Academy. The mural is dedicated to women and their role in history.

Mallery Quetawki: My work is a combination of traditional Native American art and contemporary styles. Community members have come to know my work for the anatomical and science related paintings that are utilized in public health settings.

Mallery Quetawki:

My work is a combination of traditional Native American art and contemporary styles. Community members have come to know my work for the anatomical and science related paintings that are utilized in public health settings.

Anthony Temer: I am a lifelong resident of Albuquerque growing up in the Barelas neighborhood. The westside was our cruising area especially Central during our high school years. I have watched the west side Central area grow into a major hub of Albuquerque. With a few older local business still open. My interest in photography started in the early 70’s doing weddings and funerals, First Communions and landscapes. Photography has allowed me to see not just look.

Anthony Temer:

I am a lifelong resident of Albuquerque growing up in the Barelas neighborhood. The westside was our cruising area especially Central during our high school years. I have watched the west side Central area grow into a major hub of Albuquerque. With a few older local business still open. My interest in photography started in the early 70’s doing weddings and funerals, First Communions and landscapes. Photography has allowed me to see not just look.

Tony Trujillo:Tony Trujillo is known for painting local and national lowriders as he sees them through his eyes, paying special attention to the chrome work and reflective images seen in the metal. www.trueart87.com

Tony Trujillo:

Tony Trujillo is known for painting local and national lowriders as he sees them through his eyes, paying special attention to the chrome work and reflective images seen in the metal. www.trueart87.com

Sean Wells y Delgado:I am a 5th generation Spanish Colonial artist in the Delgado family traditions and I am also well known for my Day of the Dead themed art which celebrates our Mexican heritage history. I am particularly interested in the human skeleton as a symbol of our great shared structural foundation. In a time when the world unites with a common enemy, finding more things that join us is important to me. I live near the intersection of Atrisco and Central and I very much enjoy the banners every day. www.SeanWells.me

Sean Wells y Delgado:

I am a 5th generation Spanish Colonial artist in the Delgado family traditions and I am also well known for my Day of the Dead themed art which celebrates our Mexican heritage history. I am particularly interested in the human skeleton as a symbol of our great shared structural foundation. In a time when the world unites with a common enemy, finding more things that join us is important to me. I live near the intersection of Atrisco and Central and I very much enjoy the banners every day. www.SeanWells.me

Joel Wigelsworth: I’ve lived a lot of my life on or near West Central. I grew up near Five Points, but everything back then was at Central and Atrisco. As a little boy I remember driving by the bustling San Gabriel park on a summer Saturday night because my mom needed something from Anthony’s, where I coveted the Thriller jacket on the rack, knowing we could never afford it. In high school, West Central was a place for cruising and house parties. I met my wife in Old Town; proposed to her there; married her there. I have photographed up and down West Central, and had a life-changing experience teaching creative writing workshops at YDI’s GED program for a Chicano Studies class. I have laughed, loved, wept, and bled on West Central. I have walked, biked, driven, and bussed it. We only recently moved away from Westgate, but I still go back to support the businesses I grew to love. My friends are there; my family is there; my childhood and my 30s are there. West Central is where I learned community, and where community learned me.

Joel Wigelsworth:

I’ve lived a lot of my life on or near West Central. I grew up near Five Points, but everything back then was at Central and Atrisco. As a little boy I remember driving by the bustling San Gabriel park on a summer Saturday night because my mom needed something from Anthony’s, where I coveted the Thriller jacket on the rack, knowing we could never afford it. In high school, West Central was a place for cruising and house parties. I met my wife in Old Town; proposed to her there; married her there. I have photographed up and down West Central, and had a life-changing experience teaching creative writing workshops at YDI’s GED program for a Chicano Studies class. I have laughed, loved, wept, and bled on West Central. I have walked, biked, driven, and bussed it. We only recently moved away from Westgate, but I still go back to support the businesses I grew to love. My friends are there; my family is there; my childhood and my 30s are there. West Central is where I learned community, and where community learned me.

Darryl Wilson: I have been an artist my entire life, so far. My works are inspired by imagination, of life, culture, people that surround us on a daily basis here in New Mexico. My particular interest artistically is the history and stories of Route 66, and is why I am proud to own an artist co-op, MERC 66, in the historic El Vado Motel located on Route 66 near the Bio Park. Sharing the history of Route 66 with locals as well as tourists from across the globe is an honor and opportunity to depict a rich history of days gone to help guide the ones ahead.

Darryl Wilson:

I have been an artist my entire life, so far. My works are inspired by imagination, of life, culture, people that surround us on a daily basis here in New Mexico. My particular interest artistically is the history and stories of Route 66, and is why I am proud to own an artist co-op, MERC 66, in the historic El Vado Motel located on Route 66 near the Bio Park. Sharing the history of Route 66 with locals as well as tourists from across the globe is an honor and opportunity to depict a rich history of days gone to help guide the ones ahead.