A Breath of Life to Our Seeds of Resistance: The Artwork of Xochitl Nevel Guerrero
Opening Reception: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Calendar of Public Programs
March 28, 2pm: Artist Exhibition Walkthrough
April 25, 1-4pm: Art and Healing Workshop
May 24, 2-5pm: Poetry Chapbook Release Party
A Breath of Life to Our Seeds of Resistance is a survey of the work of master muralist and multi-disciplinary artist - Xochitl Nevel Guerrero. Marking over 50 years of work and dedication to the community, Xochitl Nevel Guerrero presents a collection of works that uplift the spiritual power of the people to nurture strength and fortitude as we walk hand in hand in our shared struggles.
At the center of the exhibition is a new commission taking the shape of a 14ft monumental painting, anchored by a grounding floor mural in the form of a labyrinth. Additional works on display include paintings, masks, screenprints, scratchboard and watercolors that together represent work that spans over five decades.
Xochitl Nevel Guerrero is a Chicana Artist for the people. Xochitl grew up during the revolutionary era of the 1970s Chicano Movement, influenced by the spirit of Chicanisma her work both in the community and as an artist has been rooted in decolonization, anti-imperialism, anti-war, self-determination and love for the people. As a muralist, Xochitl has painted countless murals throughout the Bay Area, creating powerful imagery that captures the strength and collective healing of the community. Many of Xochitl’s murals dot the streets of Oakland, most notably in Fruitvale at La Clinica de la Raza.
About Xochitl Nevel Guerrero
Xochitl Nevel Guerrero is a Bay Area practicing artist, who began her career in Oakland over 50 years ago, creating paintings, murals, mosaic, and gourd crafting. Before the age of 5, she recalls knowing she would become an artist and teacher, inspired and influenced by her late father Raymundo Zala Nevel a Mexican artist who started painting during the 50’s - 80’s, and her mother Lupe Nevel who became a bilingual elementary teacher, now retired.
During the 70’s and 90’s Xochitl was active in the Chicano Art Movement mainly in the east Bay; with chicano theater, and creating art.The various forms of art were, screen printing posters, graphic and illustration work, fine art and mural painting. Guerrero not only kept close to her cultural roots but also to her community while attending Laney college, UC Berkeley, and Cal State East Bay (formerly California State University Hayward), where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Studio Fine Arts. Xochitl continued teaching various techniques in drawing, studio and mural painting, mix media mask making, and printmaking to youth and adults. After the late 90’s things drastically changed with her health and began learning healing modalities with meditation, reiki a form of light energy through the hands, later hypnotherapy. In the 2000’s, she learned more techniques in tile painting, mosaic arts and re-designing her ideas in gourd crafting she learned in the 1990’s.
She continued creating art from inside out yet still somewhat technically, which has
become more self healing and empowering for her. Also since 1968, her paintings have
been exhibited locally, statewide, and internationally.
In 2000, Xochitl received a Master Muralist Award from the Precita Eyes Mural Center located in San Francisco, for her murals and a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for her Community Art Service from Congresswoman Barbara Lee in 2006.In 2017,Guerrero received a Local Hero Award for her murals completed in the Laurel district “Kings Coffee Shop” issued by the Vice Mayor Annie Campbell Washington from the City of Oakland.
In 2013, Xochitl re-invented herself by opening Taller Xochicura, wanting to share the visions and wisdom she received through her life experiences.Taller Xochicura believes in creating art to inspire, empower and as a tool for transformation. Xochitl creates studio fine art paintings, murals, gourd crafting, mosaic and tile arts.She also has prints of her painting and cards available, and has art/craft workshops. She exhibits her work in galleries, cafes, at festivals and online.
This project was made possible with the support of The EastBay Community Foundation.