Art Rios
Art Rios
Full Name and Common Aliases
Art Rios, also known as Arturo Rios, was an American artist and educator.
Birth and Death Dates
Born in 1944, Art Rios passed away on August 29, 2020. His untimely death at the age of 76 left a void in the art world, but his legacy continues to inspire artists and educators alike.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Rios was an American artist, educator, and printmaker of Mexican descent. He held multiple roles throughout his career, including artist-in-residence, professor, and director at various institutions.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means in East Los Angeles, Art Rios' early life was marked by a strong connection to art and culture. His mother, a homemaker, encouraged his creativity, while his father, an immigrant from Mexico, instilled in him a sense of social responsibility.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Rios made significant contributions to the art world. He co-founded the Los Angeles-based art collective, Self-Help Graphics & Art (SHG&A), which focused on empowering marginalized communities through art education and exhibition opportunities. SHG&A became a hub for Chicano artists, fostering a sense of community and creative expression.
Rios' work as an educator was instrumental in shaping the next generation of artists. He taught at several institutions, including California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) and Otis College of Art and Design. His commitment to social justice and art education made him a respected figure in the academic world.
Notable Works or Actions
Rios' artistic style was characterized by its vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and socially conscious themes. He worked extensively with printmaking techniques, creating large-scale murals that adorned public spaces throughout Los Angeles. His artwork often incorporated Chicano iconography and symbolism, making it a powerful statement of identity and pride.
One notable example of Rios' artistic impact is the 1992 mural _"Frida Kahlo's Dream"_ at Self-Help Graphics & Art. This massive work of art celebrated Mexican-American heritage while also addressing issues of racism, sexism, and social inequality. The mural has since become a beloved landmark in East Los Angeles.
Impact and Legacy
Art Rios' influence extends far beyond his artwork. He played a crucial role in shaping the Chicano Art Movement, which aimed to promote Mexican-American culture and challenge dominant narratives about identity, history, and representation.
As an educator, Rios inspired countless students to explore their creative potential while also instilling in them a sense of social responsibility. His commitment to arts education helped bridge the gap between art and community, ensuring that art served as a tool for empowerment and social change.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Art Rios is widely quoted and remembered for his unwavering dedication to promoting Chicano art, culture, and identity. His legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of art to bring people together and challenge systemic injustices. As an artist, educator, and community leader, Art Rios left an indelible mark on the world, inspiring future generations to carry on his mission of social justice through art.
Quotes by Art Rios
Art Rios's insights on:

Being yourself is essential because we put off our dreams by thinking we’re not enough, that we don’t have what it takes, that what we’re interested in isn’t right and we ought to chase after something else. My friend, you have everything you need to fulfill your dreams. They’re your dreams, and no one else’s. Never give up on them.

We need to better ourselves . . . fight racism. . . How? We talk. We learn. We think. Think before you say something racist. Does it need to be said? Does it help at all?

It’s completely okay to want some things and to buy some of those things, just don’t want and buy everything!

It’s fine to go offline. You won’t lose your place in the world. And once you practice it and get good at it, I predict you’ll move a step farther from thinking, “It’s fine,” to realizing, “It’s divine!” The more you log off, the more you’ll realize how fabulously freeing it truly is.

By disconnecting from the ever-whirling devices, we reconnect with ourselves. I don’t mean in some heavy, existential, angsty kind of way. I mean reconnecting with ourselves to reconnect with our delights, our memories, our dreams and plans, and our very experience of the present moment in a natural and satisfying way. It provides a refreshing and destressing dip into the fresh lake of life. It also means reconnecting with the people around us, our loved ones, family, and friends.

Be thankful for what you have, and don’t worry about what you want. Be thankful for what you have today. Tomorrow will take care of itself. Nothing makes life easier than being content with what you have. And being grateful forges the way to contentedness. They go hand in hand.

A little excitement and hedonism go a long way. But society would rather see you in the rat race until you’re 65 or 70, and then retire to live the “good life.” Bull manure. You must make your life exciting and easier now, not tomorrow.

We often forget to thank ourselves for what we have accomplished. Your dedication and hard work provide for you and your loved ones. So thank yourself—pat yourself on the back. After all, it’s your hard work that allows you to live an exciting and easier life. And it’s your daily practice of gratitude that makes your life exceptional.

I’m even a proponent of listening when you’re in prayer. Effective prayer is when you pray, you say what you want to say to God, then you sit in silence and wait for God to answer. If you allow your mind to be quiet enough, and you’re in a place that’s quiet and peaceful enough, you will hear God’s reply.

I am a firm believer in preordination—everything happens for a reason. Hence, the logic behind the Chinese symbol for crisis, danger and opportunity. Facing a crisis may present hazards of all kinds, but it also presents opportunities. During a crisis, you learn to survive outside the norm. When you face adversity, see it as an opportunity to learn novel ways to cope.