MEZTLI PROJECTS
Meztli Projects supports the creative development of Native and Indigenous artists.
We were founded with the intent to address the severe lack of artistic opportunities for Native and Indigenous Artists as-well-as systems-impacted youth living and creating in Los Angeles County (Tovaangar). This work takes shape in several forms such as for-hire opportunities, advocating for truly equitable resources such as but not limited to funding and culturally authentic (not just relevant) programming, and training future and emerging cultural workers.
Contact
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River T. Garza
Rivergarza94@gmail.com
River T. Garza (Tongva, Mexican) is an Indigenous interdisciplinary visual artist from Los Angeles and a member of the Ti’at Society. His work draws on traditional Tongva aesthetics, Southern California Indigenous maritime culture, Chicano culture, Mexican art, graffiti, skateboarding, and lowrider art. Through his artistic practice, Garza often explores the intersection of Tongva and Chicano/Mexican identity, history, and culture. He is a former "Creator in Residence" at the Los Angeles Public Library and a current fellow of the Meztli Projects’ Cultural Worker Fellowship. His work can be found in permanent and private collections.
The sculpture, Ti’at Society Placa, is designed to connect elements of Tongva maritime culture with lowrider aesthetics. Ti’at Society is an intertribal community organization focused on cultural preservation and improving Indigenous Peoples' access to land, water, and the use of boats (Ti’ats). These plaques are typically linked to lowrider car clubs and act as identifiers and markers of a community of people with similar values and efforts. This plaque serves a similar purpose, representing and signifying the members of Ti’at Society and our Ti’at, Mo’omat Ahiko (Breath of the Ocean).
Ti’at Society Placa was on view during Meztli Projects’ exhibition Waning Crescent at OXY ARTS located at 4757 York Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90042 (June 12 to July 19, 2025).
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More Art
rivergarza.com