The DEAEF recently launched a program in New Mexico with Hands Across Cultures and the Española YMCA. This community arts program has been created in partnership with the DEA in El Paso and DEA Alburquerque’s Operation Engage initiative. The program brings kids together after school at the YMCA to provide them with the training and guidance to create lowrider bikes.

Lowrider bikes are unlike other standard bikes and are often referred to as a form of cycling art and culture. These highly customized bicycles are so popular that there is also a magazine, Lowrider Bicycle, that is dedicated to the hobby and culture. “A lowrider bike is a custom creation but it’s far more than that,” said Diego Lopez, Executive Director of Hands Across Cultures. “It’s a personal expression; a statement by its owner and a piece of art that is based in culture, tradition, and cultural pride. What we see is that for some kids, lowrider bicycles are the catalyst to the lowrider culture which keeps them away from drugs and alcohol.”

The program was launched in the spring of 2023 and 16 kids meet on a weekly basis and up to 25 students attend a variety of related workshops. “The students are working hard,” said Lopez. “This is hands-on work as they are grinding, sanding, learning fabrication with local artists, color theory, and more. They are doing the body work on the bikes, learning fabrication techniques, and are taking great pride in their work. It’s really cool!”

The students were divided into three teams and each team selected a theme for their lowriders including painted waves, heavy metal rock bands, and a “Bowzer” themed bike from Super Mario™. Local artisans come to the classes to spark creativity and teach skills while local law enforcement officials attend to learn right along with the students.

“Through this program we are working on breaking down barriers between teens and law enforcement,” said Lopez. “It is helping our community to become stronger and for these groups to form relationships with each other.”

Ben Sandoval is the Teen Center Director at the Española YMCA where the classes take place and stresses the importance of this program for the purpose of creating collaboration in the community and providing adult role models who care about making a difference in the lives of the teens.

Lopez and Sandoval have used their local connections to bring in acclaimed local artisans and others from the lowrider community including Core Team members Abel DeVargas, Delubina Montoya and Cruz Lopez to assist with the program. DeVargas and Montoya are members of Española Lowrider Museum Coalition and have experience building and customizing lowriders. Cruz Lopez, Diego Lopez’s brother, is a renowned artist currently working with students to bring their ideas to life.

Collaborating guest artists include Cynthia Lentini of the National Latino Behavioral Health Association, poet/paño artist Luis Peña and prolific muralist, Israel Haros Lopez, of Alas de Agua Art Collective. These artists have been extremely instrumental in providing mentorship and insight to the youth.

The DEAEF is working to continue programming into the summer, fall, and beyond.