RHP artist-in-residence and sculpture instructor, George C Peñaloza, was born in Los Angeles, California. Initially a digital arts college student, he felt limited by one and two-dimensional work and believed he could better express himself in 3-D . For several years, Peñaloza has been incorporating design training into his sculptures, creating intricate and detailed work.

With the support of mentor Hirotsune Tashima, Peñaloza has enjoyed repeated success in gallery exhibitions and competitions. He was selected to exhibit at the Arizona Biennial at the Tucson Museum of Art and was a finalist in ceramic sculpture at the 2008 Niche Awards in Philadelphia.