AAHHE William Aguilar Cultural Arts Award

The AAHHE William Aguilar Cultural Arts Award recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the understanding of the national Latino community and/or culture through the fine, creative, and performing arts.

2025 William Aguilar Cultural Arts Award Recipients

Victor Escobedo
Muralist & Artist

Photo and bio will be provided soon.

David Ocelotl Garcia
Abstract Imaginism Artist

David Ocelotl Garcia is a Colorado-based artist accomplished across several mediums including painting, mosaic, sculpture, and murals. His work can be seen in national and international public art commissions, and both museum and private collections. Ocelotl Garcia discovered his natural ability and passion for fine art at the age of eleven. By the age of eighteen Ocelotl Garcia was assisting professional muralists and monumental bronze sculptors on major public art installations across the country. Through self-meditation and creative exploration Ocelotl Garcia has developed his own technique and philosophy on painting and sculpture coined “Abstract Imaginism.” Abstract Imaginism is a style of art that combines the spontaneity and unpredictability of abstraction with the creativity and perception of his imagination. Ocelotl Garcia is most inspired by the presence and movement of atomic energy and its influence and connectivity with all living things. In addition, Ocelotl Garcia’s passion is to explore the beauty, philosophy, and spirituality of his Native heritage. Ocelotl Garcia believes that "Art", whether we are making it or viewing it, allows us to think more critically, respectfully, and creatively about the world around us. It is through art that Ocelotl Garcia hopes to manifest beauty, inspiration, color and energy.

List of Past William Aguilar Cultural Arts Award Recipients: