About Maestro Che

Art has always been more than a passion—it’s been my escape, my identity, and my lifelong pursuit. From a young age, I found peace and purpose in drawing and painting. The energy of color, the power of the brush, and the discipline of creation have shaped everything I do.

Over the past 25+ years, I’ve worn many creative hats—animator, illustrator, graphic designer, educator, and USA Boxing Coach. It’s a unique mix, and that’s exactly the point. I’ve never fit neatly into anyone’s idea of who or what I should be. I’m a proud Chicano artist, and I let my work speak louder than labels.

I'm honored to be a Signature Member of the Northwest Watercolor Society (NWWS), Puget Sound Group of Northwest Artists (PSG), and a member of the American Watercolor Society. I’ve had the privilege of co-chairing NWWS Waterworks 2013 and the 74th International Open Exhibition, and served as Vice President (2016–17) and President (2017–18) of NWWS.

I earned my degree from Cornish College of the Arts, and since then, I’ve worked across industries as a traditional cel animator, web designer, and commissioned artist. My teaching journey has taken me to places like Kirkland Arts Center, Pratt School of Fine Arts, and Cloud 9, where I’ve shared both craft and career experience with emerging artists.

Outside the studio, I’ve trained fighters as a USA Boxing Coach and was the owner of Team Eastside MMA in Redmond, WA. Since 2004, I’ve worked with both amateur and professional athletes in Boxing, Muay Thai, and MMA—and while I now train mostly for myself, I’m always down to share knowledge with those who seek it.

In 2020, I accepted a position as the Visual Arts Teacher at Atlas High School in West Seattle, where I teach Art + Animation. I’ve recently completed my Master’s in Secondary Education, and I’m proud to dedicate this chapter of my life to empowering the next generation through creativity and artistic expression.

I love what I do. I’m still learning. Still evolving. Still painting


Exhibitions / Honors


  • 2023 - Sensational Siete / Group Show - Nepantla Cultural Art Center 
  • 2022 - Edmonds Plein Air Paint Out - 3rd Place - Cole Gallery, Edmonds WA
  • 2021 - Latinx in the Northwest - Nepantla Cultural Art Center
  • 2019 - Current - Nepantla Cultural Art Center - Group Shows
  • 2018 - Apparitions - Kirkland Art Center Group Show - Kirkland WA
  • 2018 - "Emergencia Artistica" Seattle MEXAM NW Festival - Group Show
  • 2017-18 - Northwest Watercolor Society President
  • 2016 - NWWS Waterworks Show - Bothell WA
  • 2015 - CoCa 24 Hour Art Marathon - Seattle WA
  • 2014 - NWWS Signiture Members Show
  • 2014 - Kenmore 16th Annual Art Show - Kenmore WA
  • 2014 - CoCa 24 Hour Art Marathon - Seattle WA
  • 2014 - Art of Watercolor, Kenmore City Hall - Kenmore, Wa.
  • 2013 - NWWS 73rd Annual Open Exhibition -  Mercer Island, Wa. 
  • 2012 - NWWS 72nd Annual Open Exhibition, Design Center - Seattle, Wa.
  • 2003 - Greenwood-Phinney Artwalk Jurors’ Choice -Seattle, Wa.
  • 2008 - Daniel Smith Employee Show, Daniel Smith Bellevue - Bellevue, Wa.
  • 2002 - Dia de Los Muertos Celebration, Phinney Gallery - Seattle, Wa.
  • 2002 - Amore Group Show, Eastbay Book Company - Seattle, Wa.
  • 2001 - La Casa de Artes Group Show, Phinney Gallery - Seattle, Wa.
  • 2001 - La Casa de Artes Group Show, Richard Hugo House Gallery - Seattle, WA

Juror

  • 2024 - Edmonds Art Festival 
  • 2018 - Mt.Si Artist Guild - Small Works Show - Snoqualmie Wa

Affiliations

  • 2014 - Present ~ Puget Sound Group of Northwest Artists - Signature Member 
  • 2012 - Present ~ Northwest Watercolor Society - Signature Member
  • 2012 - Present ~ American Watercolor Society

Teaching and Demonstrating

  • 2020 - Current - Art & Animation -Teaching/Artist - Atlas High School - Seattle, WA
  • 2022 - Oregon Society of Artists - Portland, OR
  • 2018 - Seattle Col-Arts 5 Day Workshop - Samish Island, Wa
  • 2018 - Present ~ Acrylics 101 - Cloud 9 Art School, Bothell, Wa
  • 2015 - Present ~ Beginning Acrylics - Pratt Fine Arts Center , Seattle 
  • NWWS Co-chair ~ 2013 NWWS 74th Open International Exhibition / 2014 Waterworks 
  • 2008 to Present ~ Kirkland Arts Center - Watercolor 101, Teen Painting, Kirkland, Wa. 
  • 2007 to Present ~ Demonstrator and Workshop Teacher, Daniel Smith Art Supplies Stores, Seattle, Bellevue
  • 2010 - Present ~ Private Art Instructor

Education

  • 2024 - Grand Canyon University - Masters of Education
  • 1997  - Bachelors of Fine Arts, Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle, Wa.


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