Emigdio Vasquez Fred Ortiz Collection: A Private Fine Art Collection

Fred Ortiz and Emigdio Vasquez first met in 1995 at Martinez Bookstore in Santa Ana, California. One of Emigdio’s paintings was on display for the gathering: Mike’s Pool Hall. Fred and Emigdio talked in depth that evening, and a few weeks later Fred purchased Mike’s Pool Hall. Starting the following year in 1996, Fred would commission close to 40 paintings from Emigdio over the next ten years. This book documents the journey between these two friends.Emigdio Vasquez was born in 1939 and passed away in 2014. Throughout his 75 years of life, he became known as an exceptional muralist and painter. Some say he is the Godfather of Chicano art. Read more