Born in Santa Fe, of Chicano and Ute descent, John Paul Granillo (JP) is an artist and changemaker whose work is rooted in culture, place, and spiritual practice. What began as a personal path through adversity has become a lifelong devotion to art as a vessel for community healing and transformation.
Since returning home, JP has guided community-based mural projects, creating alongside youth and neighbors to surface overlooked histories, strengthen belonging, and cultivate pride in ancestry and identity. His work centers empowering underserved communities and fostering deeper social cohesion. His practice spans murals, sculpture, and painting, and has been exhibited nationally, including at the International Folk Art Museum.
Across every facet of his practice, JP walks with intention—moving in quiet ceremony, where each act of creation becomes an offering, each gathering a shared prayer.
JP joins the Creative Santa Fe team as our in-house shaman, helping to center PechaKucha Night presenters and open each evening with a community blessing—inviting us into presence, connection, and the shared space between story and spirit.