VIDA EN EL VALLE (FRESNO) -- Known as the ‘Dean of Chicano Artists in the San Joaquín Valley,’ Ernesto Palomino was inspired to take a path in the arts when he was a student at Edison High School.
“I accept this in honor of my teacher who inspired me when I was 14-16 years old,” said Palomino after getting a medallion placed around his neck from Castro.
He is in his early 80s.
Palomino was referring to art teacher Elizabeth Daniels Baldwin, who was instrumental in getting Palomino’s book “In Black and White: Evolution of an Artist” published in 1956. The book documented Palomino’s work from 1945 to 1955.
Palomino, who served two years in the Marine Corps, attended the San Francisco Art Institute, Fresno City College and Fresno State. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in fine arts from San Francisco State.
In his remarks, Palomino said he has dedicated “everything I’ve done in my life to Ms. Baldwin.”
The honorary doctorate was in Fine Arts.