MEZTLI PROJECTS

Meztli Projects supports the creative development of Native and Indigenous artists.

We were founded with the intent to address the severe lack of artistic opportunities for Native and Indigenous Artists as-well-as systems-impacted youth living and creating in Los Angeles County (Tovaangar). This work takes shape in several forms such as for-hire opportunities, advocating for truly equitable resources such as but not limited to funding and culturally authentic (not just relevant) programming, and training future and emerging cultural workers. 

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The Land Sustains Us


On view: September 13, 2024, to April 27, 2025
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes: 501 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012



The constellation of works included in this exhibition underscores the work of meztli projects to support the creative development of Native and Indigenous artists centering the worldviews, ideas, and futurity of Los Angeles’ broad Indigenous spectrum of communities but most importantly the First Peoples of this land.

Artists:
Joel Garcia
River Garza
Ciara Green
Kenneth Lopez
Alexandria Ybarra
Isaac Michael Ybarra





Kenneth Lopez (b. 1998)
Biota
2024
Photograph on archival paper
11" x 40" in walnut frame

Through his creative practice, Kenneth, a photographer and cultural worker, has documented significant dialogues surrounding monuments, civic memory, and land return in Los Angeles. His work is published internationally through Monument Lab and the Goethe Institut.

Waterways (biota), ranging from rivers to oceans, are integral to Los Angeles. They provide crucial habitats for many birds, marine mammals, and fish. These diverse ecosystems support local flora and fauna, contributing to the region's overall biodiversity health.



River Garza (b. 1994)
Untitled
2024
Mixed media on archival paper
20" x 26" in walnut frame

River, a Los Angeles-based artist of Tongva and Mexican descent, a paddler, and a member of Ti’at Society draws on Tongva culture and Indigenous aesthetics, Southern California Indigenous maritime culture, Graffiti, skateboarding, Lowrider art, and Mexican culture.

An homage to River’s familial connection to the Ti’at Society and our Ti’at, Mo’omat Ahiko (Breath of the Ocean), featuring archival photos taken by his mother, and ephemera from past community gatherings. Mo’omat Ahiko is a living relative who exemplifies their community's creative ingenuity.

River Garza (b. 1994)
Surf Now, Cry Later
2024
Mixed media on archival paper
10 ¼" x 14 ¼" in walnut frame

A take on the aesthetics of Los Angeles surf culture. The imagery and iconography are inspired by the groundbreaking work of Jeff Ho, Craig Stecyk III, Wes Humpston, Jim Muir, and many contemporary Chicano/a tattoo artists. 

An homage to the historical contributions and ongoing influence Indigenous communities have had on the sport of surfing, deeply tied to Indigenous customs and practices globally, calling attention to the participation and contributions of Tongva community members like Jimmy and Ricky Tavarez, both former members of the iconic Zephyr surf team.

Ciara Green (b. 2002)
Chehooit (Tongva for Mother Earth)
2024
Oil on Canvas
28.25" x 41" in walnut frame

Ciara Green (Tongva, Chumash, Chicana) is a visual artist, and art student at CSUN. Her work consists of working with oil paint and mixed media. She is inspired by her community, culture, nature, and femininity and will pass along the artisan skills of her ancestors.

This piece shows the sacred relationship between her, the land, and the water, in full circle.

Joel Garcia (b. 1977)
Sepayauitl Kuakuauemichin (Frosty the Orca)
2024
Natural pigments and ink on archival paper
20" x 26" in walnut frame

Joel (Huichol) is an artist, arts administrator, educator, and cultural organizer rooted in Indigenous-based frameworks of knowledge-building and exploring healing and reconciliation, through creative action.

Frosty, a 4-year-old orca whale with a rare skin condition causing a partial loss of pigmentation, invokes the maritime navigational technologies developed by Indigenous communities in relation to the movement of the stars and migrating ocean relatives.

Alexandria Sonja Ybarra (b. 2000)
Shy’oot in My Dreams
2024
Watercolor and wax pastel on archival paper
11" x 17" in maple frame

An abstract portrait of the many Bat Rays that visit the artist in her dreams. The bat rays scattered across this piece represent the ocean relatives who speak as guiding ancestors through her journey to the stars above.

All frames created by Adrian Rivas of Form Follows.



This exhibition is part of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes’ PST ART Community Hub, CONEXIONES: Cultivating Community Action initiative, a component of Getty’s PST ART: Art & Science Collide, Southern California’s landmark arts event.

CONEXIONES: Cultivating Community Action is a collaborative and informational meeting space for the community partners where members of the public, artists, and activists intersect with one another, create dialogue, exchange ideas, and build solutions for the future. Art, film, photography, creative writing, and oral histories will guide the storytelling inviting community members to share their own creative expressions through interactive stations.


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Waning Crescent: 
a meztli projects group show


On view: June 12 to July 19, 2025
OXY ARTS: 4757 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042





Exhibition Photos by Miranda Aquino and OXY Arts    
                                                                                    
Waning Crescent, a meztli projects group show        

This group show celebrates the journey of meztli projects in supporting Native and Indigenous artists. The exhibition features works created between 2024 and today by artists engaged in their collaborative ecosystem. These pieces signify a new phase for the artists, showcasing growth into new creative realms. For instance, River Garza and Emilia Cruz have evolved toward sculptural work, Kimberly Robertson's intricate beadwork creations into large beaded tapestries, and Kenneth Lopez's documentary photography blended into woven visions.

Meztli is the Nahuatl word for "moon." For this collective, the moon and its phases symbolize their approach to cultivating relationships with young Indigenous artists, culture bearers, and the general public. Taking time to reflect on important values such as stewardship, the meaning of reindigenizing spaces and technologies, and the deep connection between ceremony and artmaking. Their work mirrors the changing seasons and is responsive to the moment.

A waning crescent represents the small sliver of the moon visible just before it enters the New Moon phase. This exhibition symbolizes what comes next for meztli projects and highlights their partnership with OXY ARTS, which has hosted various creative efforts and exemplifies a nurturing, reciprocal relationship for Indigenous artists and institutional spaces.

Exhibiting artists include:

Rihanna Barrera
CJ Calica
Emilia Cruz
Joel Garcia
River Garza
Skyler Green
Kenneth Lopez
Kimberly Robertson
Aanii Tate
Alexandria Ybarra
Isaac Michael Ybarra.




Exhibition Photos by Miranda Aquino and OXY Arts 


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