Atelier Statement:
A transition can be an emotional, mental, and or even physical passage from one point or state to another. For this atelier, SHG invited a multigenerational group of military veteran artists whose paths led them to transition from civilians to soldiers to artists. The seven artists will address themes already embedded in their practice or explore new concepts through a Serigraph print. While SHG has always been a home to a community of veterans who sought the arts to manage PTSD or connect to a community of artists, Transitions will be the first veteran-focused suite of serigraphs printed at SHG.

Artists include Joe Devera, Fanny Garcia, Gina Herrera, Leo Limon, Yvette Pino, Pedro Rios Martinez, and Peter Tovar.

Artist Biography:
Peter began painting after being discharged from the USAF in 1972, having spent over two years in Vietnam. He then began working with Self Help Graphics in 1974 and founded the folk craft store “Bodega Colores” at SHG. In 1994, his first exhibition at SHG’s Galeria Otra Vez featured a series of acrylic paintings, and his following exhibit featured his first series of pastels. In 1992, he collaborated with fellow artist, Michael Amezcua, and designed the award-winning installation, “Gateway to ELA,” an MTA commission that Amezcua received. In 2008, Peter created SHG’s Day of the Dead commemorative print. After purchasing one of Peter’s pastels, author Gary Soto commissioned Peter to design the book cover for Buried Onions. He also created a second book cover for Peace in the Streets by Arturo Hernandez. Due to medical conditions in 1995, Peter put his art career on hold for eight years. After returning to his art practice, Peter had his first solo exhibit at Tonalli Studio in 2014. Peter was born in San Francisco in 1948. The second oldest of four children, he grew up in Campbell Ca, a small town outside San Jose. Peter is the father of 4 children and currently lives in La Crescenta, Ca.