Leo Limon

Leo Límon (b. 1952, Los Angeles) is a Chicano artist, printmaker, and cultural activist whose career has been deeply intertwined with the development of the Chicano art movement and the communities of East Los Angeles. Often referred to as the “Sun Artist of East L.A.,” Límon is best known for his vibrant murals, iconic “River Catz” paintings along the Los Angeles River, and prints created at Self Help Graphics & Art, where he became a central figure in building one of the most influential Latino art institutions in the country.

From the earliest years of the Chicano art movement, Límon was an active participant in shaping a cultural identity rooted in visibility, creativity, and resistance. He worked with pioneering organizations including the Mechicano Art Center, Plaza de la Raza, and Centro de Arte Público, collaborating with fellow artists to bring art into public spaces and community contexts. At Self Help Graphics, he played a vital role in establishing the annual Día de los Muertos celebration as a cultural mainstay in Los Angeles, and contributed to the growth of the Atelier printmaking program, which has supported generations of artists.

Beyond his artistic practice, Límon has long been committed to youth advocacy and community empowerment. For decades he has reached thousands of at-risk youth in Los Angeles, using art as a form of intervention and dialogue in communities affected by gang violence. His work is often described as aesthetic activism, a practice that harnesses the power of visual art for social transformation and justice. Through murals, workshops, and public art initiatives, Límon has created a model of cultural engagement that bridges artmaking with grassroots activism.

Today, Leo Límon remains a respected figure in both the art world and his community. His contributions demonstrate the enduring power of art to affirm cultural heritage, inspire change, and provide creative alternatives for the next generation.