It was evident in his youth that Gonzales was a gifted and talented artist.  He attended  St. Catherine’s Indian School in Santa Fe and began exhibiting his work at the young age of 12.  By the time he was 17, his art was displayed in the Smithsonian and simultaneously received the New Mexico Governor’s Award.  His art was on display in our Nation’s Capitol in Washington, D.C., as well as the Governor’s Mansion in Santa Fe, N.M. Gonzales received a full scholarship to the San Antonio Art Institute.  His works have been included in several national museum traveling exhibits and an International exhibit where his works were displayed next to the artwork of Keith Haring who is famous for his contribution to the Pop Art Movement.