Introduction

When Durham-based photographer Anthony Garza set out to create his Lotería Exhibit at the Golden Belt Complex, he wasn’t just planning another photography show. He was building a cultural experience that celebrated Latino contributions in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill community. To match the depth and vibrancy of his vision, Garza needed a medium that could capture not only the color of his subjects but also their spirit.

For this, he turned exclusively to Vivid Metal Prints, a decision that shaped the way his audience experienced his work.

This case study explores Garza’s journey, from inspiration to execution, and how metal prints helped transform his project into a compelling gallery experience.

The Artist and His Vision

Anthony Garza is not new to the arts. Creativity runs in his family. His father a woodworker, his siblings all artists in different forms. From childhood, Garza experimented with clay, painting, sculpting, and drawing. But photography became his medium of choice later in life, after a surprising entry point: running a pet-sitting company.

“I used to photograph the animals for my clients,” Garza recalled. “At first, it was just with a phone. Then I upgraded to a real camera. People started noticing the quality of my shots, and before I knew it, I was taking on professional clients. Photography became my full-time creative pursuit.”

Garza’s style leans heavily into motion and life. Many of his works depict subjects appearing to move out of the frame, full of energy and presence. It was this style that set the stage for his Lotería Exhibit.

 

Inspiration: The Game of Lotería

Growing up in Texas, Garza played Lotería with his family. The game, similar to bingo but using illustrated cards instead of numbers, dates back to the 1500s. It was originally designed for people who could not read, relying instead on bright and symbolic imagery — birds, trees, fruit, figures, and objects.

“The game has always stayed with me,” Garza explained. “The smells of food cooking, the laughter of my family, the colors of the cards — it was such a meaningful part of my life. I wanted to bring that same richness into my art.”

In his exhibit, Garza used Lotería as both a theme and a framework. Each card became a photograph, featuring members of the local Latino community. By reimagining familiar symbols with living faces, he created a modern retelling that honored tradition while celebrating contemporary contributions.

Building the Exhibit

From Proposal to Execution

In late 2023, the Durham Arts Guild put out a call for artists to fill its year-long calendar of exhibitions. Garza submitted a detailed proposal describing his vision for the Lotería Exhibit. At that point, the body of work didn’t exist yet — only the concept.

“The proposal was my chance to show them what I wanted to create,” he said. “I laid out the theme, the cultural significance, and how I would integrate community members. They gave me the green light, and from there, it became real.”

From January through the fall, Garza dedicated himself to the project. He rented a studio, scheduled photo sessions with five to six people at a time, and captured hundreds of portraits. Each shoot lasted 30–45 minutes, but the real challenge came afterward: reviewing 120–150 images per session and selecting the ones that best fit the vision.

“It was a labor of love,” Garza said. “There were many iterations: different backgrounds, different card designs, different color approaches. It took months of trial and error. In between, I even had surgery that forced me to pause the project for a while. But the energy from everyone involved kept me moving forward.”

Community at the Center

For Garza, the subjects of his photographs weren’t just models. They were the heartbeat of the exhibit. Each portrait highlighted individuals who contribute to the region in ways that are often overlooked.

“At this moment in time, it’s important to highlight people who are different,” Garza emphasized. “Many of these folks are seen but unseen. My concept was to showcase them as essential members of the community. Lotería became the perfect framework for that message.”

Choosing the Right Print Medium

When it came time to produce the physical exhibit, Garza knew the prints needed to reflect the vibrancy of his vision. Traditional paper prints wouldn’t capture the same depth, and canvas lacked the modern edge he wanted.

That’s when he encountered Vivid Metal Prints.

Garza first learned about the company after attending a presentation by VMP’s president at the Photographic Society of the Triangle. Seeing firsthand the options for finishes — gloss, matte, and beyond, convinced him that metal prints were the right choice.

“All these photographs are very colorful, and that’s what I wanted to highlight,” Garza explained. “The depth and contrast that metal prints offer are exactly what this project needed.”

The Partnership Experience

Working with Vivid Metal Prints provided Garza with more than just a product. It gave him a partner who understood the importance of his vision.

• Personalized service: “The website was easy to use, but the real difference was being able to call and talk to someone. Every question I had was answered quickly.”

• Speed: Some of his prints needed to be shipped for shows in Chicago and Atlanta. “Vivid turned them around in two to three days — and they arrived in perfect condition.”

• Quality assurance: Touring the 20,000+ square-foot facility gave Garza confidence. “They had test prints and even rejected prints on the walls that still looked incredible. That attention to quality told me my work was in good hands.”

• Local access: Based in Lexington, NC, Vivid was only a 90-minute drive from Durham. Garza could pick up his work directly when timing mattered most.

Most importantly, the relationship gave Garza peace of mind.

“My name is on each one of these photographs. Vivid made it possible for me to display them with pride and distinction.”

The Exhibit at Golden Belt Complex

The exhibit opened on September 6 at the Golden Belt Complex, a repurposed textile mill in downtown Durham now filled with galleries, studios, restaurants, and event spaces. The timing was perfect: the show ran through October 5, coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month.

Visitors were greeted by walls lined with vibrant, larger-than-life portraits on metal panels. The reflective finish caught the light and gave the images an energy that matched Garza’s vision of motion and life.

For many attendees, it was their first time seeing metal prints in a gallery setting. The feedback was immediate and enthusiastic:

• The colors felt alive, almost glowing under gallery lights.

• The durability reassured Garza and his team that transporting the show to future venues would be stress-free.

• The ready-to-hang framing meant installation was fast and professional.

Why Metal Prints Matter for Artists

For artists and photographers planning gallery shows, Garza’s experience offers valuable lessons:

1. Presentation Shapes Perception
   The medium you choose affects how your work is experienced. Metal prints gave Garza’s photos a vibrant, modern edge that matched his theme and enhanced viewer engagement.

2. Durability for Traveling Exhibits
   Unlike paper or canvas, metal prints resist scratches, fading, and moisture. This made it easier for Garza to confidently send his work to Chicago and Atlanta immediately after his Durham exhibit.

3. Partnership vs. Transaction
   Many print vendors can deliver a product. Few offer the kind of responsive partnership Garza found with Vivid. For artists whose reputation depends on print quality, that relationship matters.

4. Local Advantage
   Being able to drive to the production facility gave Garza a sense of control and immediacy. For other NC artists, that proximity is a major benefit.

Closing Thoughts from the Artist

“From my perspective, Vivid is a great organization. They’re conscientious, they take care of their customers, and they support artists. I’ve already used them again, and I know I’ll continue to. For any artist who wants their work to shine — literally — Vivid is the place to go.” – Anthony Garza

Key Takeaways for Artists and Photographers

• Metal prints bring unmatched vibrancy and impact to gallery shows.

• Quick turnaround times mean you can meet deadlines for exhibits in multiple cities.

• A supportive print partner helps you focus on creativity instead of logistics.

• Durability and ready-to-hang options reduce stress during transport and installation.

Conclusion

Anthony Garza’s Lotería Exhibit wasn’t just a gallery show — it was a celebration of culture, identity, and community. By partnering with Vivid Metal Prints, he translated that vision into a physical form that matched the energy of his work.

For artists considering their next exhibition, Garza’s case study demonstrates how the right medium and the right partner can elevate your work from photographs to experiences.