Michael Rios is a native of Oakland CA. He attended the San Francisco Academy Of Art on scholarship in the 60s, then worked as an illustrator for mens clothier Roos Atkins before opening his own design studio in North Beach. Rios turned to fine art in the 70s as well as moved to the Mission, where he became involved in the burgeoning Latino art scene and painted some of the first murals in the Mission. He worked extensively with Carlos Santana, creating album covers, concert backdrops, clothing designs, posters, and guitars. Rios continues to cross boundaries with his powerful, colorful visions.