Artist in Residence (Halls)

Juan Marquez, San Nicolas Residence Hall Sr. Custodian by Day, Artist All the Time

Since Juan was a little kid, he has been an artist. He loves challenging himself and creating something from nothing. Juan says that just drawing a line is creating something, and that’s what’s beautiful about it. You can play with it, and it doesn’t have to be perfect.

As a kid Juan started drawing cartoons, and as an adult he progressed to a t-shirt business where he did industrial silk screening and designed signs and logos. In 2006 he opened an art and pottery gallery, which featured his art as well as other artists’ work.

Although Juan doesn’t own the gallery anymore, he still loves to paint. His preferred medium is oil and he’ll often paint 6+ hours at a time. Believe it or not, he has never taken a class and is completely self-taught.

Juan has two kids, Abraham Alexander (25) and Aaron Emmanuel (20), and in his free time he likes watching independent films and going to art exhibits. Soon he’ll be the featured artist at an exhibit in his very own workplace! The Strategic Plan World Class Facilities Team plans to do an art exhibit of Juan’s work in the San Nicolas Main Lounge as part of an initiative to bring more art to our communities. Stay tuned for more information!