Renowned Artist Gennaro Garcia Featured in Local Solo Exhibit

Renowned artist Gennaro Garcia—a native of San Luis, Sonora, Mexico who moved to Arizona in his early 20s—will be featured in a solo exhibition at Royse Contemporary from March 20 to April 20.

In addition to being featured in numerous galleries and private collections in both the United States and Mexico, many in the Valley know his name not only because of his art in general, but Garcia is also an advocate and chef. He’s bridged his love and passion for the arts and the culinary world by venturing into the restaurant design field, restaurant ownership, and wine making. He is the co-owner of Taco Chelo with two locations in Downtown Phoenix and Tempe. He has also worked on many restaurants: Barrio Queen, Tio Chano, El Sonorense, Ghost Ranch, Salt, Galaxy Taco. Most recently, Garcia has ventured into the winemaking business with Lechuza Winery and his partner Kristin Magnussen, creating Bohemio Wine.

TALAVERA showcases a special collection of Garcia’s latest work, including various tibors, wall murals, plates, as well as debuting his newest painting. The exhibition highlights his distinctive style, fresh voice, engaging creations.

Renowned artist Gennaro Garcia will be featured in a solo exhibition at Royse Contemporary from March 20 to April 20. Courtesy Royse Contemporary

He melds his heritage and love of Mexico, infusing his work with familiar imagery and subjects that are inspired by his dual identities as both Mexican and American. Garcia loves to create and explore a variety of materials and techniques, merging them with his iconic style that blends old and new world. Garcia masterfully fuses his Mexico with his impeccable world-class skill, while upholding Uriarte Talavera traditions, the heritage and the artisans of Uriarte Talavera.

Uriarte Talavera known for their handmade ceramics, majolica technique, brilliant colors of the mineral pigments, created in Puebla, Mexico. Talavera is the only ceramic in the world that has “Denomination of Origin” and Uriarte is the oldest founded in 1824 and one of the most prestigious Talavera in the world. Garcia began working with Uriarte Talavera in 2018, receiving  a mural commission from the Four Season Hotel to create a wall mural made with the famous talavera tiles. In 2024 they celebrated their 200 year anniversary and had Garcia paint the official commemorative tibor, the largest one in the world, to date.

“I am honored and exhilarated to collaborate with real artisans who have been working for many years with talavera. I am able to learn more about the process and better understand the techniques that have been used for centuries. I am motivated by the learning process, it is the exploration of my culture, heritage and about myself and most importantly ‘My Mexico’ because talavera is Mexico,” declares Garcia.

A special Opening Reception will be held on March 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. Meet Garcia, view his latest artwork, enjoy wine and food, and experience the Scottsdale ArtWalk. 

Renowned artist Gennaro Garcia will be featured in a solo exhibition at Royse Contemporary from March 20 to April 20. Courtesy Royse Contemporary