Santa Ana Mural Unveiling

Murals have been in the history of the world since society learned to paint on the walls. The first scenes were painted in caves to show hunting and types of life that existed in that era. Murals have progressed during the ages of the Egyptians, Romans, Aztecs, and other early civilizations. They have progressed immensely during the period of the Renaissance with Michelangelo, Leonardo de Vinci and other great artist. The resurgence of mural art was recreated by los tres grandes (Diego Rivera, Siqueiros, and Jose Clemente Orozco) of Mexico. During the late 60’s, murals were again brought out in the forefront by individuals like Carlos Callejo of E. Los Angeles and in the 70’s by Los Tres Grandes + 1 of Orange County, (Manuel Trujillo, Sergio O’Cadez, Emigdio Vasquez, and Marina Aguilera).

Murals can be used as a tool to deter youth from negative behavior as well as an educational tool for the schools. This is done by getting the youth involved with the production and participation in painting the mural. From this, young people will learn the three R’s of education, (reading, riting and rithmatic). From working on murals, the youth will learn mathematics, composition, research, colors, etc., etc., etc. while at the same time enhancing their imagination, solving problems and creativity skills.

Last year I was contacted by the President of the Santa Anita Community Association who was asked by the young and to put a mural on the corner of 5th street and Jackson. Several artists were contacted and we started planning to work on an idea to put on the wall. That phase took a little bit longer due to COVID. By the end of March, the idea was confirmed and we started working on the wall. Six artists took the helm to put the ideas on the wall. The six artists are; James Rocha, Tai Ngyuen, Rodger “Eyes” Reyes, Briyana Negrette, La Artista…Marina Aguilera, Joe Gonalez, and myself Abram Moya Jr. (the coordinator for the project and artist). We completed the project on June 10th 2022. These entire artists volunteered their time and talent without pay to give back to the community.

As was said above in the second paragraph, the local community respects the work that was done and a sense of pride was created. The city of Santa Ana supported the project 100%. You can see this pride support by attending the unveiling on Friday, June 24th. There will be a barbeque for the artists on the corner of 5th street and Jackson in Santa Ana. The event will start at 3pm to 7pm. It will be a family event and it will be a gift to the Chicano community of Santa Anita by the Chicano artist. Unidos Venceremos.

- Abram Moya Jr.