Sanchez has been a leader in
Indigenous and
Chicano arts since the 1970s, and has collaborated with multiple artists. This co-creation has included creating work, exhibitions, and advocating for the rights of minority artists. This is seen most importantly in his work with the Professional Native Indian Artists (
Indian Group of Seven).[4]
Sanchez had artistic aspirations from an early age, becoming interested in art and painting in 5th grade.[5] He became more serious about pursuing an art career when he met
Daphne Odjig in
Winnipeg in the early 1970s.[6] Odjig mentored and invited him to participate in what became the Indian Group of Seven.[7]
Sanchez serves as Chief Curator at the Portage College's Museum of Aboriginal Peoples' Art & Artifacts, in
Lac La Biche, Alberta.[8] This museum houses a permanent collection dedicated to the Professional Native Indian Artists Inc. Sanchez and
Alex Janvier took part in the opening of the collection in 2018.[9][10]
Sanchez states that "I mostly paint from a
feminist point of view. We need to protect women."[11]
Since retirement, Sanchez has continued to curate, but primarily returned to the studio full-time, and continues to exhibit in galleries and museums internationally. He lives in
Santa Fe, N.M.[12][13]
Awards
2006, Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts: Alan Houser Memorial Award.[14]
Sanchez's work is featured in the book Professional Native Indian Artists: Group of Seven.[20][21] The book was published as an exhibition catalog for a show presented at the MacKenzie Art Gallery, Regina; and traveled to the Art Gallery of Windsor, Winnipeg Art Gallery, McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, Ontario, Kelowna Art Gallery, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.[22]