
Nacho Moya in Moya Art Gallery & Studio
Colorful, eye-catching art that makes a statement is drawing people from around the world to Moya Art Gallery & Studio in downtown Gilroy. More accurately, the artist behind these eye-catching pieces—Ignacio Moya Rodriguez (who goes by “Nacho” Moya)—is drawing visitors to his gallery to meet him and see his vibrant, culturally-themed pieces in person. When you plan your Gilroy visit, you won't want to miss this hidden gem and see how Moya Art Gallery & Studio is helping to vitalize Gilroy’s burgeoning arts community.
COLORFUL ART WITH MEANING
Nacho Moya wants his artwork to inspire others and send a positive message, and his expressive paintings convey his emotions and intentions. When you walk into Nacho’s studio, you will be surrounded by walls covered with bold paintings of political movers and shakers, inspiring athletes, celebrities, everyday people, locally-inspired pieces, and symbolic pictures.
Nacho's painting of Pele, the Brazilian soccer legend who passed away in 2022
Nacho’s paintings are often inspired by current events in the world; he wants his art to be realistic but also unique. He loves the use of color and believes that colors are energy. Nacho said, “I want people when they see my paintings to feel something.” His paintings are meaningful and often share a message or a tribute to someone. And, just as Nacho is inspired to create art, he hopes to inspire others with his artwork and his passion for art.
NACHO MOYA’S INSPIRING STORY
Nacho grew up in Mexico, and he was drawing and sketching by kindergarten. He won his first art contest in 6th grade, and the prize was a backpack with art supplies. Because his family was poor and he didn’t even own a backpack, this prize meant a lot to him. He was so inspired, he resolved that he would work hard and become a professional artist when he grew up. It also registered in Nacho’s mind that he could one day make money with his art. During school, Nacho participated in as many artistic pursuits as he could. He was always sketching. One of Nacho’s first paintings was one of sunflowers that he gave to his mom for Mother’s Day, as he had no money for a gift. His mom still has this special painting.NACHO COMES TO GILROY
Nacho moved to Gilroy, California, from Mexico when he was 17 years old. He worked at a variety of different jobs, from construction and grounds preparations for Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park to retail at the Gilroy Premium Outlets. It was here that he met his wife, Alma, who encouraged him to take art classes at Gilroy’s Gavilan Community College. While a student there, he was featured in a campus “Student Spotlight” two years in a row for his art. One of his first pieces from his college years was a painting he did in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. He carried a vision in his mind for a few years what he wanted to create, and he sketched and painted it in 2006. Although his teacher wanted to buy the painting, Nacho held onto it and displays it on his gallery wall. Because it’s so meaningful to him, he hasn’t sold it, even though he’s had offers.
An enlarged replica of Nacho's original painting inspired by the terrorist attacks on 9/11
PURSUING HIS DREAM
In 2016, Nacho decided to quit his retail job to pursue art full time. He thought that if he was going to be a professional artist, he needed to dedicate 100% of his time and energy to his talent and building his career. Nacho started out doing paint parties in his living room at home and at other peoples’ homes, with some of them on video. He also began selling his own paintings on the side.
A paint party in Moya Art Gallery & Studio
After outgrowing his living room, Nacho opened his downtown gallery and studio in 2017. Once he moved into his gallery, the walls began filling up with original and colorful paintings, and he had a place to host more paint parties and group events.

Nacho's followers all know The Moya Motto: "Relax, don't stress & do your best!"
A GROWING BUSINESS


COLLABORATIONS
Nacho has also had the chance to collaborate with many other organizations and participate in cultural events with his art. During Hispanic Heritage Month in the fall of 2022, a film called Campesinos: America’s Unsung Heroes—an award-winning short film about the lives of farm workers filmed at some Silicon Valley farms—was played in many film festivals, including local ones. Nacho was inspired to do a series of artwork related to the film titled “Feeding America,” helping bring awareness to what field workers go through. He was invited to display these paintings portraying field workers in collaboration with the film at different tech companies in the Bay Area.

INSPIRED AND INSPIRING
Nacho’s future plans include opening a new location to serve as a gallery and event space. This would give him the freedom to keep his studio to paint in, while providing visitors a separate, larger space to view and purchase his artwork. He’d also like to hire staff to help with more paint parties and classes, art camps, and other community events in the new space. Nacho also plans to work on painting a new collection in 2023 that will send a positive message.

Nacho's painting inspired by Delores Huerta, a civil rights icon who co-founded United Farm Workers of America with Cesar Chavez and coined the famous phrase "Si se puede" ("Yes, we can.)
Nacho especially wants to inspire his family and Latinos to not be afraid to follow their dreams. “I’ve promised myself that I will never give up on my dream,” he said. “No matter what’s going on, I’m going to keep moving forward.” Nacho also finds music inspiring, and he will listen to all kinds of music while painting, depending on what fits his mood. Nacho also enjoys playing the guitar and the piano.AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Nacho has been recognized for his art, his support of the local community, and his encouraging, positive spirit that has impacted even Nacho’s international followers. In 2022, Nacho received the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival Icon Award for Art. The Poppy Jasper Film Festival (PJIFF) is an annual, locally-hosted international film festival. This award was presented to him at a ceremony in 2022 on PJIFF’s Mexico Day, when they highlighted Mexican movies, filmmakers, musicians, and artists. Nacho not only contributed his time and original artwork for PJIFF’s 2019 poster, but he painted pieces for visiting industry professionals and celebrities. According to Mattie Scariot, the director of PJIFF, “Nacho has developed a reputation that has led to the emergence of an international business.” She said Nacho was given the award to “recognize a local artist who has made significant contributions to the community and art world."
Poppy Jasper International Film Festival Icon Award 2022 Recipients
Director and author Luis Reyes, director Luis Valdez, actor Pepe Serna, and artist Nacho Moya
Nacho is thrilled to be receiving a Freedom Award in January of 2023 from the Bethany Community Church in Gilroy, which will be presented to him, along with three Lifetime Achievement Award winners, at a special breakfast on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This award recognizes his positive, uplifting impact during the pandemic on his followers who span the globe. Nacho said, “This award is so meaningful to me.” He had a goal of wanting to earn this award one day in the distant future and was shocked to earn it in so soon. A variety of celebrities from the Bay Area, Hollywood, and even Mexico have purchased Nacho’s art. He also did a commissioned painting for a musician from a well-known Mexican band.ART BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER

VISITING MOYA ART GALLERY & STUDIO

