Simón Silva is a Chicano Artist who paints vibrant and colorful images that are reminiscent of his own culture. His collection to grow over time presently includes notecards, photographic prints, posters, and slides which exemplify his individualistic artwork. Also included is correspondence relating to the published children's story he illustrated, and a copy of the actual book, Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish and English.

Simón was born in Mexicalli, Mexico in 1961. He grew up in Holtville, California a small border town in Southern California. He is one of eleven children that grew up as migrant field workers. At an early age of eight years old, Simón found himself working the fields and eventually traveling to Oregon and Washington to work during the summers. Because of the lack of respect for his type of labor and his family's lack of educational support, Simón grew up with a low self esteem and with very little respect for his culture. Art would be his saving grace, nurturing his self esteem and keeping him focused on pursuing an education. It wasn't until he came to understand and appreciate his culture that he was able to find his true purpose in life.

3.4 linear feet (1 document box, 1 oversize box, 9 posters)

Copyright has not been assigned to the Department of Special Collections, UCSB. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Department of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained.

Service copies of audiovisual items may need to be made before viewing or listening. Please consult Special Collections staff for further information.