Winter 2025

studies from UC Santa Cruz. In 1994, inspired by his grandmother’s vision for community, he founded Hijos del Sol, a free art studio in East Salinas open to all youth. Meaning “children of the sun,” Ortiz explains the name for the nonprofit came from his grandmother’s unifying vision of the universe. “She was a medicine woman and a midwife and had a bigger view of the planet and of the cosmic order,” he says. “The sun gives life to everything, and everyone is important, even ani- mals. In return, we need to look after Mother Earth.We are her children and just visiting here for a while.” Ortiz saw a lack of opportunity for children with creative minds who needed a safe space to express themselves. “We created an experiential studio space with the focus on children who want to draw, illustrate, sing, dance, use their imagination…and we make it our point to help children get some college education.That way they can fly on their own, and if they want, they can come back and assist the community when they grow up.” Logistical challenges for the program included getting the kids there safely, and Ortiz has fre- quently driven children to the studio when par- ents are afraid to let their children walk—even a few blocks—due to potential gang violence. “We invite parents to the studio as well,” Ortiz says. “They can participate with their chil- dren because we want to create a space where they feel, ‘This is for you, too.’” One eighth grade boy who comes in regular- ly to build 3-D costumes has a grateful mother C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 5 139 Photo: Kelli Uldall (Above) “Tatum,” a mural of children playing together, created by the Hijos del Sol team, is located at Tatum’s Garden, a fully accessible playground in Salinas. (Below) Isabel Martinez with her sons Alan Dueñas Martinez and Ricky Ricardo Olvera at Hijos del Sol. The chil- dren grew up attending the studio and the family, originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, enjoy creating art together. Photo: Hijos del Sol