Chaparral member Manny Martinez presented a wonderful collection of mixed-media artworks throughout March at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church in Yucca Valley. Born in Ontario, Manny has found his true home in the desert, where he has reconnected with his Mescalero Apache heritage through music, art, and the creation of handcrafted Native replicas that honor the traditions of his ancestors.
This exhibit offered visitors a glimpse into Manny’s creative spirit and cultural journey. His pieces beautifully blend the old and the new—a cultural fusion that bridges heritage and place. Each artwork reflects his deep respect for both the natural world and the artistic traditions that shaped him.
Throughout the collection, Manny incorporates materials gathered from the desert environment. Cholla wood, with its striking porous texture, and locally sourced rocks, shaped into arrowheads and embellishments, bring a strong sense of place and joy to his work. The result is a display that not only celebrates Native craftsmanship but also honors the desert landscape that now inspires him daily.
Manny’s exhibit stands as a touching tribute to heritage, creativity, and home—a reminder of how art can connect the past and present while celebrating the beauty of the land we live in.
Manny Martinez - Mixed Media
HOME and HISTORY
Chaparral member Manny Martinez presented a wonderful collection of mixed-media artworks throughout March at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church in Yucca Valley. Born in Ontario, Manny has found his true home in the desert, where he has reconnected with his Mescalero Apache heritage through music, art, and the creation of handcrafted Native replicas that honor the traditions of his ancestors.
This exhibit offered visitors a glimpse into Manny’s creative spirit and cultural journey. His pieces beautifully blend the old and the new—a cultural fusion that bridges heritage and place. Each artwork reflects his deep respect for both the natural world and the artistic traditions that shaped him.
Throughout the collection, Manny incorporates materials gathered from the desert environment. Cholla wood, with its striking porous texture, and locally sourced rocks, shaped into arrowheads and embellishments, bring a strong sense of place and joy to his work. The result is a display that not only celebrates Native craftsmanship but also honors the desert landscape that now inspires him daily.
Manny’s exhibit stands as a touching tribute to heritage, creativity, and home—a reminder of how art can connect the past and present while celebrating the beauty of the land we live in.