Luis Rodriguez once sat in CSUSB classrooms looking to his professors for guidance as he developed his voice as an artist. Today, he has returned to those classrooms in a different role — helping a new generation of students discover their own artistic direction.

Rodriguez is a Cal State San Bernardino alumnus, lecturer and an active artist who is now curating his first group exhibition, “Sueño Eterno,” at College of the Desert, in Palm Desert, Calif. The exhibition also features CSUSB students and local artists. The loss of Rodriguez’s father, who passed away in 2024, inspired this curation. 

“Curating “Sueño Eterno” has been a blessing, especially because it is my first group exhibition as a curator,” said Rodriguez. “This milestone would not have been possible without the people who believed in me, supported me, and helped me reach this point, and I am deeply grateful to them”.

Motivated by his father who was Rodriguez’s example of hard work; he was someone who never game up and always worked hard. “My dad was very strong and hardworking”. Rodriguez said, “There’s not a time that he didn’t work and worked many jobs”. This example has meant so much to him and he hopes to pass it on to others he teaches in his classroom as they embark on their individual journeys. 

“My studio research uses drawing and painting, particularly portraiture, to explore identity, lived experience, and the complexities of being human. I am interested in how portraits can encourage empathy by allowing viewers to recognize the individuality and humanity of the person represented”.

Rodriguez draws inspiration from many experiences in his life. His artistic perspective has also been shaped by personal struggles and loss. One of his earliest artistic memories is seeing artwork from incarcerated family members sent to his mother.

“I became captivated by how detailed the graphite drawings were and by the symbolism they contained” he said. “At the time, I did not fully understand what those images meant, but they stayed with me.”

In his exhibit, Rodriguez features incarcerated artwork from his older brother who is in prison. He naturally gravitates towards this art because of his loved one and wants to capture individual lives through open mindedness. “There’s this connection there,” he said, “there’s something that touches home because of my brother.”

During his time at CSUSB he met many people and was deeply impacted by his professors who encouraged him to keep moving forward and to never give up on his art. “All the instructors made an impact. I’ve learned a little bit from each one”. That mentorship gave Rodriguez the confidence to share his work with others and pursue opportunities as they emerged. 

CSUSB alumnus and lecturer Luis Rodriguez

Returning to CSUSB as a lecturer has been especially meaningful to Rodriguez. As a student, the university played an important role in his growth. Now, he can share what he has learned through his education, studio practice and lived experiences with his own students. 

“I hope my work helps students recognize that discovering their talents and defining their futures is an ongoing process,” he said. “They should continue applying what works, and when something does not work, be willing to change their approach and try again. That is true in art and in life. I hope they develop the confidence to make their own choices, adapt when necessary, and continue moving toward the future they want for themselves”.

Rodriguez strives to give back the same support he received from his educators and hopes to be a mentor to his students. He teaches that everyone's learning process is different and to not focus on the imperfections or what they don’t know yet. Instead, he encourages them to focus on what they do know best and how to focus on their craft and achieve each element as they go. 

Rodriguez believes in the importance of continuing to learn and grow. As a professor, he is still learning, and most of those lessons come from his students and the patience he practices with the many personalities he meets.

“I try not to assume that I have all the answers, but I hope my students take away something valuable from my classes - whether it is a new skill, greater confidence, or a stronger sense of their own artistic direction,” he said.

Rodriguez continues to follow that lesson himself. Whether he is creating in the studio, curating an exhibition or mentoring students at CSUSB, he remains committed to growing as both an artist and educator. His journey has come full circle: The Coyote who once found guidance and encouragement at CSUSB has returned to help the next generation of Coyotes discover where their own talents can take them.