Raoul Encarnacion Mora

Raoul’s personal collection of Mexican folk art is held with great regard along with his own artwork of landscapes, figure drawings, and Chicano themed works that reflect his love for and pride in the Mexican culture.  In addition, his art work reflected his strong belief in social justice and support of community activism.  Some of his drawings and paintings are in private collections in Mexico, California, Arizona, New York, as well various European countries.  During his lifetime, Raoul was recognized with numerous awards and honors in the United States and abroad, including Teacher of the Year for Stockton Unified School District.  He was inducted into the Mexican American Hall of Fame in 1994 and was appointed to and volunteered on various arts commissions in San Joaquin County.  In addition, he was an active member of the Cursillo Movement in the Catholic Diocese of Stockton.  One of Raoul’s greatest accomplishments, however, was his role as a founding member of the Mexican Heritage Center in Stockton, CA.  Created by Los Artistas del Valle, the goal was to provide a venue for Chicano and Mexican American artists to exhibit and legitimize their work.  In addition, their goal was to educate the local Mexican community and instill in them a sense of pride.  Raoul meticulously planned, prepared, and delivered numerous presentations on Mexican art and culture to students, teachers, and the community.

Raoul never felt that he had to choose between his family and art.  He was highly accomplished at integrating his family into all of his endeavors.  As a result, he instilled in them a love of the arts, education, and culture.  Raoul impacted the lives of his family members and students in multiple ways.  He inspired and compelled them to be the best version of themselves.

Whether he was called Dad, Abu, Tío, or Mr. Mora, Raoul was first and foremost a teacher who was loved.  He will be missed dearly, but his legacy will live on through all of the people he inspired and whose lives became richer just by knowing him. We are grateful that he passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, his wife of over 58 years Linda, and his lifelong collection of art!

For those wishing to provide a donation, in lieu of flowers, please do so to the Mexican Heritage Center

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