Trees&Bees

https://peoplesartist.org/2026/ray-vasquez
I find inspiration in humanity itself — in our struggles, resilience, imagination, and the emotional landscape across generations. Empathy is central to my creative process. Art should encourage us to feel more deeply for one another, for animals, for forgotten histories, and even for the land we inhabit. I believe creativity has the power to heal, connect, and awaken human understanding.
My exhibition includes my float builders/helpers, the She Thinker, or parade floats (25 years+).
Imagine a life-sized She Thinker on a float— a symbolic work exploring wisdom, forgotten civilizations, and the enduring power of women's intuition. I also envision a huge sculpture of the She Thinker someday.
I hope to create award-winning parade floats that inspire community and imagination.
Our biggest sponsor, in El Paso, is the largest children's hospital in the area; our float themes incorporate kids with incredible resilience, such as last year's theme "Healing Through Imagination".