Boyle Heights artist gives back to the community with free art workshops

BOYLE HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Juan Solis, who was born in Zacatecas, Mexico, moved to Boyle Heights when he was 16 years old and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1993.

Art is something he's always been interested in since he was a kid.

"Art means everything for me, it is my passion, my way to express myself," said Solis. "Also, my way to express who we are as a community in a positive way."

He's made big contributions to Mariachi Plaza, one of the main reunion points for the Boyle Heights community. Solis painted multiple murals that highlight the mariachi culture at the plaza.

In December, he started offering free art workshops to residents as a way to give back to the place that molded him to the artist he is today.

"It is important to bring these types of events to our community because of the lack of them here," said Solis. "It is important for each of us to do our part to make our own community a better place."

to learn more about the next free workshops, follow Juan Solis on Instagram @juansolisarte