Montoya, Jose Casimiro

Mexican-American artists; Calif.; founded Royal Chicano Air Force, a group working primarily as muralists.

From the description of José and Malaquias Montoya interviews, 1988 Feb. 28 - June 2. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 220176898

José Montoya (1932- ) is a Mexican-American poet and artist in Sacramento, Calif.

Malaquias Montoya (1938- ) is a Mexican-American artist in Oakland, Calif. He and his brother José founded Royal Chicano Air Force, a group working primarily as muralists.

From the description of Oral history interview with José and Malaquias Montoya, 1988 Feb. 28-June 2 [sound recording]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 613314681

Jose ̌Montoya is one of the premiere cultural activists in the Chicano movement. Born in New Mexico but having grown up in central California, he witnessed the struggle for migrant farm workers rights first hand. His involvement with organized labor, his collaboration with Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers movement, was only the beginning of Montoya's lifelong commitment to artistic inquiry and an unwavering dedication to artistic activism.

Montoya co-founded one of the ground-breaking Chicano Art Collections in 1970, a group that came to be known as the Royal Chicano Air Force. The RCAF set the standard for using art as a tool of Chicano historical exposition and education for young people. Although recently retired, he continues his involvement in the the movement and its artists.

A multifaceted artist, Montoya is the author of three collections of poetry, including the highly acclaimed "In Formation: 20 Years of Joda." He is featured in over 40 anthologies. Montoya is also a noted painter, muralist, musician and graphic artist. He has exhibited internationally in Cuba, Mexico & Paris, as well as all over the United States. Montoya is known most famously for his works as a poet, and has given readings at top universities around the United States and abroad.

From the description of Jose ̌Montoya Papers,1969-2001. (University of California, Santa Barbara). WorldCat record id: 56193854