Tule River Nation, Photographed by Adam Perez. Four generations of the Manuel family, descendants of the Yokuts, the first peoples of the Central Valley.
From August 1 through October 31, the Peter N. Carey Gallery in Visalia will showcase local artwork from the Central Valley that highlights the lives of farm workers. The gallery features a collection of pieces from last year’s Tierra Mia (My Land) Festival.
Siblings Adam Perez and Mari Perez-Ruiz, with the help of the community, brought this heartwarming festival to Poplar, CA. They focused on uniting the community through local organizations, artists, services for farm workers, music, food, and more. The festival celebrated culture, land, and the many individuals who harvest and provide the fruits and crops that feed us all.
Perez, a well-rounded photojournalist known for his passion, dedication, and humility, centers his work on the people of the Central Valley. His sister, Mari Perez-Ruiz, co-founded the Central Valley Empowerment Alliance, a grassroots organization that advocates for health, food, and housing justice.
As the 2025 Catchlight Global Fellow, Perez will collaborate with five campesinos in the Central Valley, allowing them to document their own lives and share their daily routines.
On August 1, attendees immersed themselves in an afternoon filled with heartwarming music and photographs that captured the essence of the Central Valley. Quererte, La Cocina Del Pueblo provided authentic and healthy Mexican dishes. Guests were encouraged to come hungry and donate what they could, as all proceeds support this year’s Tierra Mia Festival.
Perez’s exhibition featured the Coatlicue Madre De Todos los Dioses headpiece created by Francisco Parraguirre for La Catrina Divina. Parraguirre and Alfredo Hernandez also designed a complementary dress. Both pieces draw inspiration from the Aztec goddess Coatlicue, who represents the earth. The artists also pulled from their personal admiration for the Virgin Mary and their own mothers.
One of Perez’s portraits featured Elsie Saldana, known as “El Dana,” the oldest living drag king in the United States. Saldana earned a Guinness World Record and performed at the Clovis Senior Activity Center’s Pre-Thanksgiving event in November 2024. She has also raised funds for AIDS research and continues to perform. On Friday night, many attendees had the opportunity to meet Saldana and speak with her.
Local mariachi group Sonidos Unidos performed a series of songs that paid tribute to the Central Valley community, uniting multiple generations of families. The musicians invited guests to sing along and made space for dancing. Three generations of Perez’s family embraced during the performance, illustrating how Sonidos Unidos helps bridge generational gaps.
Perez’s photography draws attention to the unspoken realities within many communities—realities that often resonate deeply. The exhibit served as a mirror, inviting many to reflect inward.
To support Tierra Mia, donate here. This year’s festival will take place on October 5, 2025, in Poplar, CA.
To learn more about Adam Perez, visit: https://www.instagram.com/adamperez22/
