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Born
January 28, 1958 in Kingsville, Texas Ray Valdez is of nahua(mexico)/yaqui (yoeme) Native American ancestry and is a tribal member of the Texas Band of Yaqui Indians.
Ray’s earliest encouragement
for his art was in junior high school from his father.
Ray felt accepted for his talent when his father framed
and hung one of his paintings in his office. This simple
action has influenced him to persevere in the arts.
Ray knew then that art would be an intimate part of
his life.
Over the years he has created many beautiful watercolor
and acrylic paintings for family and friends. Though
initially a folk artist he has developed his skills
and continued creating both watercolors and acrylic
paintings to reflect his own personal experiences, as
well as religious visions. Ray
has a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Phoenix and a Business Degree
from Western International University.
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These degrees have helped him maintain his Gallery and Frame shop,
as well as actualizing recovery programs in the Nevada Department of Corrections. Ray
has been involved in gaining religious rights for himself
and other Native American people. Teaching people to
view Native philosophy as a legitimate religion allowed
Ray and others to seek spiritual guidance, endure their
right to gather, to smoke their sacred canupa, and to
pray to the Great Spirit.
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Ray teaches art at Coral Academy of Science Charter School
and with other community organizations. His strong leadership
is influencing many adolescent lives to be creative in
the arts, as well as life. Valdez has produced acrylic
murals for the city of Lompoc, California and various
locations in Reno, Nevada. His works are currently displayed
at the Fellowship Gallery (Washington, D.C.), Valdez Studio
(Reno, Nevada), Sky Wolf’s Gallery (Teton Village,
Wyoming), Western Traders (Folsom, California), Four Winds
Trading (San Diego, California), Lilly Vigil Gallery (Nevada
City California). |
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