Collection Information
Size: 6.3 Linear feet
Summary: The papers of painter, muralist, and educator Emanuel Martinez measure 7.4 linear feet and date from 1960 to 2015. The collection is comprised of correspondence with Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzalez of the activist group Crusade for Justice; writings that include journal entries, essays about Mexican American youth, education, the artist Rini Templeton, community murals, and a presentation transcript about the sculpture Farm Workers' Altar; printed materials that include a bumper sticker and flyer designed by Martinez, photocopies of a poem and sketch by Martinez, and a book of writings on Mexican and Spanish Americans signed by George Garcia; photographs of Martinez as a child, in portraits, painting, and at events; and a scrapbook documenting the history of murals and Chicano art in Colorado through clippings and one letter of congratulations from former Representative Patricia Schroeder. There is a 7.0 linear foot unprocessed addition to this collection donated in 2021 that includes documents of encounters with the law from his youth, such as citations for minor crimes. These documents are remarkable in light of the arc of Martinez's career after being recruited by Corky Gonzalez to the Chicano Movement as a troubled young man to today, where he is a respected arts activist with a focus on mural-making with incarcerated youth. There is also correspondence with Chicano Movement figures and project files with a variety of documents related to specific mural projects across the country, correspondence concerning the publication of book title, a scrapbook, printed materials, sound recordings, video recordings, and photographs.