In 2019, I created a 120×35′ mural next to Maryvale’s Chicano por la Causa. This project began when I was invited to lecture at the ASU School of Social Work, and one of the master’s students saw an opportunity to improve the building where he was interning. This mural painting was a collaboration spearheaded by the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, Arizona State University’s College of Social Work, CPLC, and Survivor Link.
When I was selected for this project, I presented my concept to creative stakeholders from the Maryvale community. Then I recruited assistance from nearby halfway homes and group homes to help me fill in large areas of color using a paint-by-number system. It was unveiled on the birthday of civil rights activist Cesar Chavez. The celebration was accompanied by cumbia music, a car show, and community painting.
