Montoya, who was an art professor at CSUS for 27 years, is an educator, painter, poet, musician and activist. He is co-founder of the nationally recognized CSUS Barrio Arts program and a co-founder of the Rebel Chic Art Front, also known as the Royal Chicano Air Force.

A multi-faceted artist, Montoya is the author of three collections of poetry, including the highly acclaimed In Formation: 20 Years of Joda. His paintings are exhibited around the world.

Montoya was born in New Mexico, but grew up in Central California. He entered San Diego City College as an art student shortly after the Korean War. He later transferred to the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, CA. He graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in 1962. he began his career by teaching high school until he earned his M.A. degree in 1971 at California State University Sacramento. He then taught for over 27 years in the Department of Art Education at CSUS.

Montoya is a noted painter, musician and graphic artist. He has exhibited internationally Cuba. Mexico & Paris, as well as all over the United States. he has given poetry readings at top universities around the United Sates and abroad. His influence over several generations of Chicano poets cannot be overestimated. His use of Spanish, English and barrio slang poetry can be seen in the styles of countless Chicano writers who followed him.

Keywords: activism, Chicano, men, New Mexico, painting, poetry