Salvador “Chava” Mancera is a self-taught artist working across photography, abstract painting, and color field work. Deeply inspired by his synesthetic perception, everyday life, and the richness of the natural world, Chava’s creative process blends sensory experience with emotional resonance.

He earned his Associate’s Degree in Arts from Elgin Community College in 2006. Since then, his artwork has been exhibited in notable Chicago spaces, including the Tom Robinson Gallery (Humboldt Park) and the Hairpin Arts Center (Lincoln Square). His work has also been featured at Mixed Co. Salon, Sugar Fly Salon, Savvy Settings Home, and Cup & Spoon Café.

Chava’s artistic reach extends beyond traditional gallery settings. He has brought his vision to the stage as a set and costume designer for Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart (Bucktown), contributing to productions such as Ubu Roi (2018), Julius Caesar (2019), and the U.S. premiere of Varadas (Castaways) in 2020.

A longtime Chicago resident, Chava is deeply committed to community arts education. Since 2018, he has served as a Teaching Artist with the Chicago History Museum’s Literature Program, leading students through a three-month curriculum focused on civic engagement and protest art. His work has impacted elementary classrooms across neighborhoods like Humboldt Park, Little Village, Brighton Park, and Pilsen.

In 2020, Chava launched an independent e-commerce shop, showcasing original artworks, prints, and greeting cards. His pieces are available both online and at select boutiques throughout Chicago.

Today, Chava’s artwork lives in private collections across Chicagoland, Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Asheville, and Ontario, reflecting a growing appreciation for his vibrant, introspective, and community-rooted practice.