Montes, also known as Big X, was born and raised in Santa Paula, Califas, attended the local schools and received his BA and teaching credential from UCSB. In the twenty-three years since that time, his profession and vocation has manifested in several overlapping areas: mainly as a practicing visual artist (acrylics), as an educator, which includes community activism, and as a musician (Mexican harp, guitar, and vocals.) One of Xavier’s greatest achievements was to establish the De Colores Art Show, which, first opened in 1994. Every year since that time, Xavier has gathered and presented contemporary art from different artists that address, or express, the Latino, Mexicano, Chicano experience. The Art show has become one of Santa Paula, and Ventura County’s most popular cultural events. "

To see more of Xavier's artworks, visit his website at: http://www.xaviermontes.com/