Martin Moreno was born in Adrian Michigan where he grew up speaking Spanish at home and English in school. His parents were hard working people working in the fields and in the foundries.
He credits these experiences with providing much of the subject matter he depicts in his artwork. “My earliest memories of color and rhyme are those of the fields, sitting in the back of a pickup truck watching rows upon rows of corn and tomatoes form a visual pattern of rhythm. Listening to the realities of superstition, as told by the elders, stories of the Llorona (crier), the Earth, and stories of my glorious past.” All of these images come to life in his sculpture, murals, paintings and mosaics.
Moreno graduated with his BFA from Siena Heights University. He is a founding and past board member of ALAC (Arizona Latin@ Arts and Cultural Center) established in Phoenix as the first Latino Cultural Center in the State. He was one of twelve Chicano/Latino artists selected for the “Locals Only” exhibition at the Phoenix Art Museum, the exhibit is of historical importance because it is the first exhibit featuring Chicano/Latino artist in the museums history. In 2011 he was honored with the Arizona Governor’s Artist of the Year award, which is a great honor. Each year many artists throughout the state, in all disciplines, are considered.
