Olivia and Cruz Ortiz are a testament to how art, design, and activism can all work in tandem to create change. They are the founders of Burnt Nopal a design firm that focuses on working with nonprofits and companies who value supporting the community and progressive values bringing them clients such as Julian Castro and Absolute Vodka. Olivia began as an educator and community activist and sits on the board of many notable non-profits including Planned Parenthood and Eva’s Heroes. It’s amazing to see Cruz and Olivia use art and activism in the political sphere while also helping their community with projects like Burro Brigade which provided rides to the polls for those who don’t have them.
Cruz is a phenomenal artist whose work uses painting, print, sculpture, drawing, and public activation to address issues related to his experiences growing up in the bicultural landscape of South Texas. Really exciting that the National Portrait Gallery just acquired his portrait of noted Chicano scholar Tomás Ybarra-Frausto.