Ricardo Cortez | lowriderfever.com | lowriderartist [at] gmail.com
Professional Experience
2022 Creative Ambassador, City of San Jose, San Jose CA
2019-Present Director of Marketing, Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Santa Clara University, Santa Clara CA
2009 - 2019 Public Information Representative, City of San José Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, San José CA
Function as brand strategist, marketing manager and lead designer for the department.
2007 - Present Freelance Designer
2007 Lead Graphic Designer, Main Street Media Group, Gilroy CA
Education
MFA 2015 San José State University, Digital Media Art, San José CA
Dissertation: Technology as a Basis for Cultural Transmission
BFA 2007 Santa Clara University, Graphic Design, Santa Clara CA
Solo Exhibitions
2023 ABC’s of Lowriding Book Release Party and Toy Drive, San Jose
2022 STEAM Con Estilo, San Jose
2015 Paletas, San José State University
2015 1-800-JOAQUIN, San José State University
2015 Sunday Afternoon, San José State University
2014 Funk’d Up, San José State University
2014 Dusic, Foundry at San José State University
2014 Sock it to the Circuit, Electrophonicfunk, San José State University
2013 Diggin’ the Scene with a Gangster Lean, San José State University
Selected Group Exhibitions
2025 Santa Clara County Fair, Cheery Farmer Opening Day, San Jose CA
2024 Forever Cruising Exhibit, San Jose Public Library, San Jose CA
2024 Santa Clara County Fair “Fields to Future,” San Jose CA
2024 PACHUCO. Gilroy CA
2023 Ofrenda Festival featured altar, Gilroy CA
2023 Sacramento History Museum, Sacramento CA
2023 California History Museum, Sacramento CA
2023 Villa Montalvo Art Center Lowrider Art Showcase, Saratoga CA
2023 Hella Quakes Art Show, San Jose CA
2023 Santa Clara County Fair “County Strong”, San Jose CA
2023 Flamin’ Hot, Gallery 1202, Gilroy CA
2023 Ride with Pride Lowrider Bike Display, San Jose Museum of Art, San Jose CA
2022 City Dance, San Jose Museum of Art, San Jose CA
2022 Community over Competition, San Jose CA
2022 Content Magazine Pick-Up Party, Los Gatos CA
2019 “Story and King: San José’s Lowrider Culture” Exhibit, San Jose Public Library, San Jose CA
2019 Latino Art Now!, Macla Arte, San Jose CA
2018 Frida Santisima, The World of Frida, Bedford Gallery, Walnut Creek CA
2017 Notes on Democracy, MACLA, San José CA
2017 Migration, Art Works Downtown, San Rafael CA
2017 Future Now // Futura Ahora, The Loisaida Center, New York NYC
2016 Minted, ProArts, Oakland CA
2016 Sanctuary, De Young Museum. San Francisco CA
2016 Made in California, City of La Brea, La Brea CA
2015 2015 Student Showcase, De Young Museum, San Francisco CA
2015 Urban Fodder, Rural Encounters, Art Though Graphics and Art Gallery, Berkeley, CA
2015 Rockage, San José CA
2014 Maker Faire, San Mateo CA
2014 Graduate Group Exhibition, San José State University, San José CA
2007 Group Exhibition BFA Thesis Show, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara CA
2025 Creekside Socials Public Artist 408Innovates.com
2024 San Jose Historical Society United Lowrider Council recognition
2024 Featured Artist, City of San José's OEM & Fire Department Training Center
2023 MLK Library’s 11th Annual LocalLit Featured Author
2023 SJ Creative Economy Awardee
2022 Community Member Recognition, Del Oeste Kustoms
2022 Creative Ambassador, City of San Jose
2018 Honorable Mention Award, Bedford Gallery
2018 Best in Show Pedal Car, NorCal Classic
2016 People’s Choice Award Screen Print Showdown
2015 City of San José Grant via Local Label, City of San José
2014 Graduate Equity Fellowship Grant Award Recipient, San José State University
2014 Heritage Cup Design Award Winner, The San José Earthquakes
2013 San José Jazz Festival Design Award Winner, SJ Jazz
2012 Heritage Cup Design Award Winner, The San José Earthquakes
2011 Pride of San José Award Commendation, City of San José
Publications & Media Mentions
Telemundo Área de la Bahía. (2024, June 2). La película American Homeboy en Comunidad del Valle, Parte I [Video]. Telemundo Área de la Bahía. https://www.telemundoareadelabahia.com/video/especiales/comunidad-del-valle/la-pelicula-american-homeboy-en-comunidad-del-valle-parte-i/2485106/
NBC Bay Area. (2024, June 2). American Homeboy movie on Comunidad del Valle [Video]. NBC Bay Area. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/video/community/comunidad-del-valle/american-homeboy-movie/3938198/
Gabbert, Lorraine. “Arts, entertainment revitalize San Jose neighborhood.“ San Jose Spotlight, 22 July, 2025, https://sanjosespotlight.com/arts-entertainment-revitalize-san-jose-creekside-neighborhood/.
Pizarro, Sal. “Colorful Art, Cold Beer Add Life to San Jose’s New Creekside District.” Mercury News, 28 June 2025, www.mercurynews.com/2025/06/28/colorful-art-cold-beer-add-life-to-san-joses-new-creekside-district/.
Samadani, Faizi. “Public Works in the Urban Jungle.” Metro Silicon Valley, 25 June 2025, www.metrosiliconvalley.com/creekside-art-corridor-public-art-san-jose/
Cortez, Ricardo. Artist Ricardo Cortez Featured on Noticias Ya San Diego. Facebook, 30 May 2025, https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?extid=MSG-UNK-UNK-UNK-UNK_GK0T-GK1C&ref=watch_permalink&v=1134058292099886.
Cortez, Ricardo. TEDx Talk: "TEDxSanJoseCA: Reclaiming Identity Through Lowriding." TEDxSanJoseCA, March 16, 2025. https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/58188
Peters, LaMonica. “Alum Rock Teachers Take Historical Cruise with San Jose Lowriders.” KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco, KTVU FOX 2, 12 Sept. 2024, www.ktvu.com/news/alum-rock-teachers-take-historical-cruise-san-jose-lowriders.
"The ABCs of Lowriding Takes Readers Through the World of Lowrider Culture," CalOnews, July 5, 2024. Available: https://www.calonews.com/featured-topics/culture/the-abcs-of-lowriding-takes-readers-through-the-world-of-lowrider-culture/article_1988b4e8-3af9-11ef-a6da-53be306f9c96.html
Belinda Quesada. (2024, May 2). “The ABC’s of Lowriding,” a children’s book celebrating lowrider culture. by Ricardo Cortez (author). KCXU 92.& FM. https://kcxu.fm/interviews/
Hotchkiss, S. (2024, May 3). Rare lowrider documentaries screen at MACLA for Cinco de Mayo. KQED. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13957183/firme-films-lowrider-showcase-macla-documentaries-cinco-de-mayo
Fancher, L. (2023, December). Good arts deeds. San Jose artists lifting the community. https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/infinity/article_popover_share.aspx?guid=301e3f79-6e12-452e-8771-fb0aa49a5db4&share=true
Daily Chela. (n.d.). ABC of Lowriding. Retrieved from https://www.dailychela.com/abc-of-lowriding/
NBC Bay Area. (2023, December 4). The ABCs of Lowriding on Comunidad del Valle [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.nbcbayarea.com/community/comunidad-del-valle/the-abcs-of-lowrirding-on-comunidad-del-valle/3388379/
Aronica, G.A. (2023). 5 Minute Pitch: The ABCs of Lowriding by Ricardo Cortez https://sjtoday.6amcity.com/abcs-lowriding-ricardo-cortez-san-jose-ca
SJSU Newsroom. (2023). Ricardo Cortez and the ABCs of Lowrider Culture. San Jose State University. https://blogs.sjsu.edu/newsroom/2023/ricardo-cortez-and-the-abcs-of-lowrider-culture/
Spiro, D. H. (2023). Pop culture for the whole person at Santa Clara. Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. https://ajcunet.edu/santa-clara-connections-october-2023/
Siembieda, D. (2023, October 10). SAN JOSÉ INVESTS IN THE CREATIVE ECONOMY. CITY OF SAN JOSE BLOG. https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/5458/4765
Cortez, R. (2023). The ABC’s of Lowriding (1st ed.). Livermore, CA: Self Published.
“Lowrider Culture Is an Important Piece of Mexican American Tradition.” KTVU FOX 2, KTVU FOX 2, 29 Sept. 2023, www.ktvu.com/video/1287669
Art Meets Automobiles in San Jose. (2023, June 9). www.visitcalifornia.com. https://www.visitcalifornia.com/experience/art-meets-automobiles-san-jose/
Peters, L. (2023, May 8). Critics blast San Jose Cinco de Mayo offramp closures, extra police as racist. KTVU.
https://www.ktvu.com/news/lawmakers-criticize-san-jose-off-ramp-closures-during-cinco-de-mayo-celebrations
Wong, K. (2023, April 28). Skyline shines. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from
https://skylineshines.skylinecollege.edu/uncategorized/skyline-colleges-inaugural-r-i-d-e-conference/
(2022). California ends cruising ban that targeted Chicano low-rider culture. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/california-ends-cruising-ban-that-targeted-chicano-low-rider-culture
(2022). San Jose invests big in public art. San Jose Spotlight. https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-makes-major-investment-in-public-art/
Telemundo 48. (2022, September 1). Conductores de autos Low Riders celebran en San José [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr_0rRytlAA
Pizarro, S. (2022, September 1). San Jose Mercury News. https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/09/01/san-jose-lowriders-celebrate-the-end-of-the-citys-cruising-ban/
(2022). Last 'No Cruising Zone' sign comes down in San Jose, lowrider community celebrates historic change. ABC 7. https://abc7news.com/san-jose-cruising-low-riding-no-zone-sign-city-hall-end-of-ban-bay-area-hispanic-community/12184430/
Content Magazine. (2022, July 29). Ricardo Cortez 14.4 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12wK1AghChA
Garcia, D. (2022, August 1). Ricardo Cortez. Content Magazine.
KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco. (2022, July 29). Lowrider culture honored: San Jose lifts 30-year cruising ban [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2eXohiZj8Y
(2022). Science, Engineering, and Lowriders? This Program Will Teach Your Kids With Cultura. Project Pulso, Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/CfZ8wFqpvo9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Griffy, L., & Young, S. (2022, May 5). High Road, Low Ride. Santa Clara Magazine. https://magazine.scu.edu/magazines/summer-2022/high-road-low-ride/
[Interview] Trujillo, D. (2022). Part 1: San Jose's Creative Ambassador, on Comunidad Del Valle. Comunidad Del Valle. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/community/comunidad-del-valle/part-1-san-joses-creative-ambassador-on-comunidad-del-valle/2849099/
[Interview] Trujillo, D. (2022). Part 2: San Jose's Creative Ambassador, on Comunidad Del Valle. Comunidad Del Valle. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/community/comunidad-del-valle/part-2-san-joses-creative-ambassador-on-comunidad-del-valle/2849064/
(2022). Ricardo Cortez Named 2022 Creative Ambassador. SCU Art & Art History. https://www.scu.edu/cas/art/news--events/stories/ricardo-cortez-named-2022-creative-ambassador.html
[Interview] Chuyang, A. (2022, March 24). 13 questions with creative ambassador Ricardo Cortez. SJ Today. https://sjtoday.6amcity.com/ricardo-cortez-interview-san-jose-ca
Handler, E. (2021, December 20). NEWS RELEASE: CELEBRATING CREATIVITY IN EVERYDAY LIFE: SAN JOSÉ OFFICE OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS ANNOUNCES SIX NEW CREATIVE AMBASSADORS. City of San Jose. https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3627/4699
Kraft, C. (2019). Dad Builds Incredible Low Rider Pedal Car For Daughter. Make Magazine. https://makezine.com/article/craft/fine-art/dad-builds-incredible-low-rider-pedal-car-for-daughter/
Kraft, C. (2019, October 31). Make Magazine. https://makezine.com/article/craft/fine-art/dad-builds-incredible-low-rider-pedal-car-for-daughter/
Pizarro, S. (2019, January 16). San Jose's Lowrider History Finally Gets the Spotlight. San Jose Mercury News. https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/01/16/san-joses-lowrider-history-finally-gets-the-spotlight/
Barnes, R. (2017, September 1). Smart Jukebox. The MagPi, 69.
https://magpi.raspberrypi.com/issues/61
2017 1969 Wurlitzer Jukebox Revitalization @Raspberry_Pi #PiDay #RaspberryPi. [Blog] Adafruit.com. Available at: https://blog.adafruit.com/2017/08/04/1969-wurlitzer-jukebox-revitilization-raspberry_pi piday-raspberrypi/
(2017). 1960s jukebox modernized with an Arduino Mega. Arduino. https://blog.arduino.cc/2017/07/27/60s-jukebox-modernized-with-an-arduino-mega/
(2017). Tijuana Rick’s 1969 Wurlitzer Jukebox revitalisation. Raspberry Pi. https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/1969-wurlitzer-jukebox/
(2017). Despite Censorship Row, a Show Connecting Immigrant Rights and Police Brutality Goes On. Hyperallergic. https://hyperallergic.com/357236/future-now-futura-ahora-loisaida-center/
(2016). Recent art school graduates display their work in Oakland gallery. OaklandNorth. https://oaklandnorth.net/2016/09/06/recent-art-school-graduates-display-their-work-in-oakland-gallery/
SJSU. (2016, June 3). Paletas. Minted, 16. (2015). Paletas: Art installation portrays the non-stereotypical lives of immigrant families. Adafruit. https://blog.adafruit.com/2015/10/12/paletas-art-installation-portrays-the-non-stereotypical-lives-of-immigrant-families/
(2015). Videojuego funky. Danzeria Mag. http://danzeria.com/2015/02/09/videojuego-funky/
(2015). Funk’d Up: The Funkiest Arcade in the World. Insomniac. https://www.insomniac.com/media/funkd funkiest-arcade-world
(2015). Remix Funk Music in Tijuana Rick's 8-Track Arcade Game. Vice. https://www.vice.com/en/article/qkwja5/remix-funk-music-in-tijuana-ricks-8-track-arcade-game
Pizarro, S. (2013, August 12). Pizarro: San Jose graphic designer makes mark with Jazz Fest T-shirt. San Jose Mercury News. https://www.mercurynews.com/2013/08/12/pizarro-san-jose-graphic-designer-makes-mark-with-jazz-fest-t-shirt/
2025 Mini Mural Art Workshop Gilroy Library
2025 MISSION: Latinx Heritage Month - Lowriding with Ricardo Cortez
2025 San Mateo County Library Featured Author Tour (Hispanic Heritage Month), North Bay
2025 Lowrider Drive-In Community Movie Night, San Jose CA
2025 Arts & Cultura: Unity, Literacy and Lowriding, San Diego CA
2025 Featured speaker Unidos@Playstation, San Francisco CA
2025 Chicano Studies Lowrider Presentation, SJSU
2025 Tedx West Valley College, Saratoga CA
2024 Khan Academy Lowrider Lecture, Mountain View CA
2024 Social Justice Children’s Book Fair featured author, Oakland CA
2024 Selma Olinder Elementary Author Visit, San Jose CA
2024 Chicano Studies Lowrider Presentation, SJSU
2024 Featured Artist The Business of Art and the Art of Business, San Jose CA
2024 Speaker Arte Del Barrio, Emphasizing Lowriding Art and Culture, University of New Mexico
2024 Featured Speaker DEI Series for REEDSMITH, Palo Alto CA
2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration featured guest, Children’s Discovery Museum, San Jose CA
2024 San Mateo County Library Featured Author Tour (Hispanic Heritage Month), North Bay
2024 Read N Chill, San Jose Womens Club Featured Author, San Jose CA
2024 Author talk with Belmont City, Belmont CA
2024 Youth Art Workshop at History Park, San Jose CA
2024 Artist talk, DeAnza College, Cupertino CA
2024 Lowriders Education, California School for the Deaf, Fremont CA
2024 Cinco de Mayo Panel, SJSU Centro for Chicano Studies
2024 Chicano Studies, DeAnza College
2024 Chicano Studies, SJSU
2023 SCU Alumni Series, The ABC’s of Lowriding
2023 SJSU Chicano Studies Lowrider History
2023 Villa Montalvo Art Center Lowrider Panel Discussion, Saratoga CA
2023 Raza Unida Fest Sketch Walk with artist Suhita Shirodkar
2023 Ride Conference Workshop, Skyline College
2023 Exploring San Jose, California Now Podcast
2023 Lowrider Showcase at Private School is Possible launch, Santa Clara University
2023 Lowrider History and Culture in San Jose, San Jose State University
2023 History of San Jose Lowriding, Overfelt Highschool
2023 Alumni Exchange Speaker Series, Santa Clara University
2023 LEAD Scholars 20th Anniversary Celebration, Santa Clara University
2023 ART 100 Guest Lecture, Santa Clara University
2022 Lowride Worldwide Podcast
2022 SCU Raices
2022 Art and Lowriding Workshop, Carolyn Clark Elementary
2022 Lowrider Studies Conference 2
2022 SJSU Chicano Studies 1 & 2
2022 Cruising Ban repeal celebration keynote address, San Jose City Hall
2021 The Globalization of Lowriding, Google
2019 SJSU Paseo Project class guest speaker
2018 Alumni Guest Speaker, Santa Clara University Art Department
2015 What is a Chicano New Media Artist?, San José State University
2014 Professional working artist, San José State University
2014 Introduction to CSS, San José State University
2013 Convocation Remarks, River Glen Middle School
Memberships
United Lowrider Council fo San Jose Board Member
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Liaisons Santa Clara University
California Association of Public Information Officials
NorCal City/County Webmasters
Academic Service
2023 LEAD Scholar Adivsor, Santa Clara University
2016 Adelante Mentor, San José State University
2015 Editor Switch Magazine, San José State University
2014 Art Director, Shift Magazine, San José State University School of Journalism
Academic / Teaching Appointments
Santa Clara University
Adjunct Lecturer, 2023, Fall LEAD Seminar
San José State University
Adjunct Professor 2015 - 2017, Art 74 - Intro to Digital Media Art
Teaching Associate 2014, Art 74 - Intro to Digital Media Art
Teaching Assistant
2014, Art 74 - Intro to Digital Media Art
2013, Art 174 - Intro to Game Studies
City of San José
2009 -2019, Web Content Management System Trainer
Curation
2023 Villa Montalvo Art Center Lowrider Art Showcase, Saratoga CA
2017 Curator, City of San José Employee Arts Program, San José CA
2016 Curator, City of San José Employee Arts Program, San José CA
Prepared to teach
Micro computing for art (Arduino and Raspberry Pi), History of new media as a foundation of digital media, Theory/principles of new media, video art, sound art, Net.Art as art form, Interactive sculpture, Digital remediation, Hypermedia, Coding as art, Projection mapping, and Physical hacking for art.
Areas of knowledge
History of Lowriding, Theory, and history of new media, theory, and concepts of graphic design, Python programming, Arduino programming, Raspberry Pi, Linux environments, HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP / MySql Database, WordPress development, MAX Interactive programming, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Premiere, sound editing, video editing, Microsoft Office Suite, Mac, and PC platforms, Online student learning management systems (CANVAS, eCampus), website content management systems, various fabrication skills (wood, metal, resins, electronics), disaster response communications, written and spoken Spanish.
Research interests
The integration of microcomputers as a means of creating new and innovative artworks. Exploring the possibilities of digital media as a way of highlighting specific aspects of cultural identity. The remediated human experience via 3D and augmented reality.