Tongva Mural Ribbon Cutting |
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"This is not just about us. It's about our entire community, our entire nation. We all need the healing that art brings!" - Tina Calderon, Tongva. |
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As we cherish our loved ones on Valentine's Day, let us remember our enduring bond with Mother Earth. "We stand on the shoulders of giants," reminds Matthew Dominguez, Chumash Culture Bearer and Muralism Project Manager, emphasizing the profound wisdom passed down through the generations. Tina Claderon, Tongva Poet and Culture Bearer, echoes this sentiment. "Our ancestors thrived here for millennia," she shares, "and left us such beautiful teachings about living in reciprocity and harmony with the lands and the waters, the minerals, the plants, the animals, [and] all of the sacred elements." Their words remind us of our interconnectedness with Mother Earth, urging us to treat her with the respect and care she deserves. "She provides everything we need to survive. We need to treat her better. We need to leave the world a better place for the seven generations to come," Tina urges, encapsulating the essence of our responsibility to future generations.
The Seventh Generation Principle dates back to the Iroquois writings of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, roughly 1142 AD. The Great Law formed the political, ceremonial, and social fabric of six nations of indigenous people that created peace that lasted over for over 500 years. It is credited as being the key inspiration of the American Constitution, by Benjamin Franklin. “Not on the principles of European governments, but rather on that of the so-called savage people”. These principles continue to resonate today, particularly in our response to global warming.
At its core, the Seventh Generation Principle reminds us that the decisions we make today shape the world for our descendants seven generations into the future. It calls upon us to act with foresight and responsibility, ensuring sustainability in our use of energy, water, and natural resources. So, on this Valentine's Day, let's express our love not only to our loved ones but also to our precious Earth Mother. Have you shown appreciation for her gifts today? |
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Click above to watch highlights. Click Here to watch full version. |
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What better way to commemorate a day of love than by paying homage to the original inhabitants of Los Angeles and the rich contributions their ancestors made to the place we call home?
The ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 25th was a remarkable event, brimming with warmth and community spirit. A diverse gathering of one hundred individuals, including friends, volunteers, neighbors, members of the NoHo Neighborhood Council, and the Neighborhood Council of Valley Village, joined together in jubilation. Los Angeles City Council President, Paul Krekorian, LA Department of Cultural Affairs General Manager, Daniel Tarica, Senior VP of Operations of Michael's Stores, Chris Freeman, Muralism Project Manager, Matthew Dominguez, and myself, Ernie Merlán, shared words of inspiration and excitement. However, the highlight of the event was undoubtedly the touching moment when Tina and Joe Calderon graced us with a soulful Tongva song of prayer.
This magnificent 2000 sq ft mural adorning the back wall of the iconic NoHo Fire Station #60 pays tribute to the original inhabitants of Los Angeles County—the Gabrielino/Tongva People. Such a monumental undertaking was made possible through the collaborative efforts of numerous entities. Mr. Krekorian's Council District 2 office staff played a pivotal role in securing the building, parking, speakers, funding, and even providing the clear coat. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the firefighters and staff at Station 60 and the North Hollywood USPS for their remarkable patience during our months-long project. Home Depot offered generous rates on the lift we required for three weeks, while Loop Paints and Mann Brothers Paints of Hollywood provided rock-bottom prices on an estimated 600 cans of spray paint and 200 gallons of acrylic paint.
This inspiring mural was made possible, in part, through a grant from the Department of Cultural Affairs. DCA General Manager, Daniel Tarica aptly proclaimed, "This mural is now part of the fabric of our city." Michael's Stores not only served as a financial sponsor but also rallied 30 of their finest artists to collaborate side by side with our Muralism Artists. A poignant moment during the ceremony was the special recognition bestowed upon Barbara Caroll and her husband Jim Fitzpatrick, whose generous donation—initially anonymous—was instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.
The mural itself features Jessa Calderon adorned in modern attire alongside Tina Orduno Calderon in traditional regalia. On the left, a traditional village nestled along the banks of the LA River with Santa Catalina Island, "Pimu," gracing the horizon; while on the right, a contemporary view of the San Fernando Valley from the Griffith Observatory. It serves as a reminder that long before the arrival of Europeans, over 5000 Tongva People thrived in what is now Los Angeles County, their ancestral home dating back to 7000 BCE. And to pay homage to the approximately 3,900 Tongva descendants living and contributing to the City of Los Angeles today, the Hollywood sign has been transformed to declare "Tongvaland".
As we reflect on this remarkable achievement, let us not only celebrate the artistic beauty of this mural but also honor the enduring legacy of the Tongva People, whose profound connection to this land continues to enrich our community. |
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Jacob Riess - Artist & Crew Lead |
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Click Above to Watch Movie |
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| Meet Jacob Riess, a talented artist whose journey began in Lihue, Hawaii, where he was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at an early age. Jacob and his family relocated to California when he was eight years old, setting the stage for his remarkable artistic endeavors.
With an Associate of Arts degree and Certification in Animation and Game Design from Santa Barbara City College, Jacob's passion for creativity led him to further hone his skills at Exceptional Minds, where he earned advanced certifications in Visual Effects and 3D animation. Continuously driven to expand his knowledge, Jacob is currently pursuing his education at Animation Mentor, showcasing his dedication to mastering his craft.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, Jacob is a devoted aficionado of anime, Dungeons and Dragons, and maintains an active lifestyle through regular workouts.
For the past four years, Jacob has been an integral part of the Muralism Crew, leaving his mark on over 25 mural projects. His exceptional talent has been showcased as a Featured Artist and Crew Lead, with his design work adorning numerous electrical boxes throughout the San Fernando Valley.
Your support is invaluable in providing opportunities for artists like Jacob to showcase their talents, earn a livelihood, and contribute to the beautification of their community. Muralism is committed to offering on-the-job training, classes, and hands-on opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds.
Muralism artists have had the privilege of collaborating with over 1,000 students from Los Angeles Unified Schools, Pasadena Unified Schools, Alhambra Unified Schools, private schools, and disability service organizations throughout Southern California. Through immersive Community Paint Days, students learn directly from Muralism Artists, fostering creativity and community engagement. Together, we can expand opportunities for artists and inspire the next generation of creators. Let's paint a brighter future for artists and students across the Southland! Join us in making a difference by donating or signing up to paint! |
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Winnetka Neighborhood Council |
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After years of collaboration with the Winnetka Neighborhood Council and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, we are thrilled to announce the completion of a remarkable community project. This endeavor involved the transformation of six electrical boxes, each depicting a unique facet of Winnetka's rich and diverse history.
“Winnetka,” which means “beautiful land” was originally inhabited by the Tongva people, who were displaced by Spanish colonizers in the late 1700s. The land was then used for cattle grazing until the late 1800s when it was purchased by Charles Weeks, who subdivided the land into small farms and orchards and sold them to settlers looking for a new start in California. By 1900, Winnetka had become a thriving agricultural community with citrus groves, vineyards, and dairy and poultry farms.
In partnership with the Winnetka Neighborhood Council and Aerojet Rocketdyne, Muralism embarked on a journey to celebrate Winnetka's heritage through art. Our talented Muralism Artists, including Jake Riess, James Hart, Matt Dominguez, Tiana Fazio, Teresa Fazio, Cia Atkins, Lloyd Hackle, Annie Leffe, Ryan Beachaamp, and Tony Saturno, meticulously brought these historical narratives to life on the electrical boxes. From agriculture and historical architecture to aerospace, these beautifully detailed boxes stand as a reminder of Winnetka’s history and the stories that continue to shape its identity. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this meaningful project and look forward to further celebrating Winnetka's vibrant history in the years to come. |
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Beginning at the end of March 2024
, thanks to a generous grant from the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and sponsorships from local businesses, the Muralism Team will take on yet another monumental endeavor—the transformation of a block long section of Lankershim Blvd between Hart Street and Sherman Way – an area often covered with graffiti and litter.
DCA has provided only part of the funds and we still need 26K to make the project possible. We are looking for corporate and private donors to make this project a reality. So if you have the means or know some one who can help make this a reality please click the link below to Support Lankershim walls.
Stay turned to join us for painting these neglected walls into vibrant canvases that celebrate the spirit and beauty of our state. |
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Your generosity has been vital in making these projects a reality. As we get the ball rolling in 2024, please consider continuing your support. Your ongoing commitment ensures that Muralism remains a beacon of creativity for the entire community. Thank you for being a valued member of the Muralism family.
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