"We were here in the beginning and we are still here today!" - Jessa Calderon, Tongva. |
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| Embark on a journey through the rich history of Los Angeles with Muralism's latest masterpiece, led by Indigenous Artist Matthew Dominguez. Breathing new life onto the back wall of the iconic NoHo Fire Station #60 built in 1949, this 2000 sq ft mural is a captivating tribute to the original inhabitants of Los Angeles County—the Gabrielino/Tongva People. At the heart of the mural is Jessa Calderon, Tongva Singer/Songwriter, dressed in a modern t-shirt, and Tina Orduno Calderon, Gabrielino Culture Bearer, adorned in traditional regalia—two remarkable representatives of the approximately 3,900 Tongva descendants living in Los Angeles today.
On the far left is a traditional village on the banks of the LA River, with Santa Catalina Island, "Pimu", on the horizon, the Tongva People's ancestral home dating back to 7000 BCE. As we move across the mural to the right we are transported to the modern-day San Fernando Valley as viewed from the Griffith Observatory—with 1.8 million inhabitants. The title "Tongvaland" is spelled out in the iconic "Hollywood Sign" style. This incredible project was funded by a grant from the Los Angeles DCA, District 2 Councilman Paul Krekorian, a generous gift from Barbara A Carroll and a sponsorship from Michael's Stores.
The Muralism Team drew a "paint by number" mural and invited the public, including Tongva representatives, neighborhood councils, schools, families, and Michael's Stores employees to join in four separate Community Paint Day Events.
Stay tuned! The Tongvaland mural will be unveiled at a ribbon-cutting event early in 2024. |
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James Hart - Artist & Crew Lead |
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| Meet James Hart, a talented sketch artist and muralist, proudly hailing from the West Hills of the San Fernando Valley.
Diagnosed with Autism at the age of two, James says his autism allows him to see the world through a unique lens. After graduating from El Camino High School in 2015, he embarked on a self-taught journey in illustration, currently shaping the pages of his own futuristic graphic novel.
For the past four years, James has been a key member of the Muralism Crew, leaving his mark on over 30 mural projects, with five of them showcasing his talent as a Featured Artist. Now serving as a Crew Lead, James helps to guide his fellow artists in learning the craft.
Your support is the driving force behind opportunities for artists like James to delve into mural painting, earn money, and contribute meaningfully to their community. Muralism currently provides on-the-job training, classes and hands on opportunities for all, during Community Paint Days.
Every year, Muralism engages 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. These students learn firsthand from Muralism Artists during immersive Community Paint Days.
Will you stand with us as we inspire another 1,000 young artists next year? |
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Entering 2024, the Muralism calendar is already booked through March! Our team is set to undertake mural projects at five different schools across Southern California and host an interactive mural painting class at Ventura College. Come 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 two-block section of Lankershim Blvd between Hart Street and Sherman Way – an area often covered with graffiti and litter.
Picture a surreal scene unfolding on the walls—a majestic display of whales and marine animals swimming above "fields of gold." Inspired by the California poppy, the official state flower since 1903 and a symbol of the California Gold Rush. The marine creatures serve as a reminder of the diverse life that graces our beautiful coastline.
Stay tuned to be part of the magic during one of Muralism's Community Paint Days in the Spring/Summer of 2024! Join us in turning neglected walls into vibrant canvases that celebrate the spirit and beauty of our state. |
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You Help Make Muralism Possible |
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As the year draws to a close, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your generous support. Your commitment to our mission of connecting people with special needs to the community at large made a huge impact on so many. In 2023, because of you, we completed 16 captivating public mural projects, enriching the lives of thousands across Southern California. Notably, that bring our total to 60 murals on the Road to 100 by 2028. Your contributions provided vocational training
, empowering 10 disabled artists to hone their craft and gain valuable workplace skills, paving the way for meaningful paid opportunities. 20 more took online classes and participated in community paint days. Our team worked with local schools, nonprofits, businesses, and government entities, fostering community engagement, inclusivity and hands-on experiences for thousands during our mural public painting events.
Your generosity has been vital in achieving these milestones. As we enter the holiday season and look forward to the possibilities of 2024, please consider continuing your support. Your ongoing commitment ensures that Muralism remains a beacon of creativity for the entire community. Remember us in your Giving Tuesday and Year-End Giving! Thank you for being a valued member of the Muralism family. We wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year! |
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