Miguel “Mike” Guerrero (Stockton, CA) was born in Michoacan, Mexico on February 27, 1932 to the late Miguel and Consuelo Guerrero, and grew up in the California Central Valley.
He memorialized his early experiences as a boy, immigrant, and student in the United States in a book Reflections of a Little Brown Boy, written in adulthood. His athleticism in boxing as a young adult in school led to further training, resulting in Pacific Coast and NCAA featherweight championships. After a stint in the Army where he served in Germany and at the American Embassy in France, he returned to attend college at San Jose State University, and earned a MBA from the University of Santa Clara. Miguel retired as a Business Instructor from San Joaquin Delta College, then continued teaching printmaking through the Stockton Institute for Continued Learning.
Along with his teaching career, he became deeply interested in studio art, experimenting with sculpture and moving into drawing, painting, and printmaking. He exhibited widely for over 30 years with notable local exhibitions at The Haggin Museum, Mexican Heritage Center, Alan Short Gallery, LH Horton Jr Gallery and at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts. His works are held in numerous private collections, and a bronze sculpture resides in the collection of the Department of Migrant Education in Washington, DC.
Always a teacher and mentor, Miguel made many lifelong connections with educators, students, and artists. Gregarious, friendly, and generous by nature, he enjoyed sharing knowledge, good foods, libations, stories, and conversations. He was a positive person with an upbeat attitude and good sense of humor, yet grounded, strong, and loyal. Beyond teacher and artist, he was a cherished husband, father, brother, and friend that will be profoundly missed by his family and our community.