Nacho Moya : Life Changing Art - Continued

“ I want to heal people through art . And to introduce a community for people who have never had art ,” he said .

In 2020 , at the beginning of the pandemic , he had to shutter his gallery . But that didn ’ t stop Nacho ’ s art classes .

“ I said I ’ m not going to give up . I need to do something . I asked God what can I do to keep it going ? I wasn ’ t thinking about money , I was thinking about how I can support my community ,” he said .

He began to offer free online paint parties and he connected with people from all over the world , including in Canada , Australia , Europe , and China .

“ Now when people visit here , they stop at my gallery and visit me . They say , ‘ You saved my life during the pandemic , I just had to meet you ,’” he said . “ That is amazing . That ’ s a great feeling to know how I impacted people in the community with art .”

Nacho also has taken his workshops on the road , teaching students at Bay Area colleges , at-risk youth , children of migrant farm workers in Half Moon Bay , and students enrolled in Morgan Hill Unified School District summer camps .

“ With my classes , it ’ s not just about art , it ’ s about motivating others and to stay positive ,” he said .

He paints people who inspire him and make an impact in their community , including Mexican painter Frida Kahlo , American labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez , and Mexican actress Maria Felix .

“ I like to paint what ’ s going on in the world . During the pandemic , I painted farm workers and first responders ,” he said . “ I painted the field workers because they weren ’ t getting the attention they deserve .”

When not painting , he said he enjoys gardening and being in nature with his wife and their two children , ages 22 and 14 .

“ They see everything I ’ m doing , and I share it with them ,” he said .

Most recently , Nacho is juggling his time working on paintings commissioned by celebrities and traveling to meet with interested buyers and collaborate with other artists . He hopes to open a second location soon and has found a 3,000-square foot space in downtown Gilroy to expand his studio . His current studio would serve as his office .

He hopes to build a team to help with paint parties , programs , and workshops while he showcases his art in different areas and supports other artists . He said he is proud of his struggles and likes to share his story with and encourage younger artists to not give up .

“ Think big . Never be afraid of failing because it ’ s the steppingstone to success . It makes you a bigger , stronger person ,” he said .

For more information about Ignacio “ Nacho ” Moya and Moya Art Gallery and Studio , visit https :// moya-art-gallery-and-studio . business . site /.

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