Hózhó by Maya Perez

Maya Perez received the SURFACE Harwood Art Center Solo Exhibition Award in 2025, presented annually for artistic excellence, originality of vision and dedication to practice. This year, her awarded solo exhibition Hózhó will run concurrently in Harwood’s Front Gallery.

We invite you to join us for the SURFACE exhibition reception, awards presentation and artist talk by Maya Perez at Harwood Art Center, on Saturday, June 20. The reception is 4:30pm – 6:30pm, with awards and artist talks starting at 5:00pm. This event is free and open to all ages.

Over the past several years, Maya has dedicated countless hours to learning more about her Navajo culture, researching stories and traditions, and studying Diné Bizaad, the Navajo language. During her research, she came to understand the concept of Hózhó, a Navajo way of life that means to “Walk in Beauty,” striving to live in balance, harmony, and beauty. That philosophy is exactly what Maya wanted this exhibition to be built upon.

Maya Perez is the creator of Skinny Legend Creations, named in honor of her dog and best companion, Zeus. As a contemporary visual artist, Maya is known for her distinctive “pop art” female portraits and intricate geometric mandala designs. Drawing inspiration from her Navajo and multiracial background, as well as her personal journey, Maya’s work explores the emotional depth of the human experience and the pursuit of balance. She primarily works with acrylics, using bold, vibrant color combinations to bring her visions to life. She also recently started to explore her love for ceramics, creating quality pottery pieces customized with her mandala designs.