EL CHICANo Weekly
Vol 61, NO. 31
July 11, 2024
"Welcome to San Bernardino" Mural Unveiled: A 28-Day, 220-Hour Masterpiece by Resident Christian Mariscal
IECN.com
San Bernardino County Museum Offers Free Admission to All Historic Sites Pg. 4
PHOTO JOSEPH LEON/ARTS CONNECTION
The “Welcome to San Bernardino” mural is located on the west side of the Rudy C. Hernandez Community Center at 222 North Lugo Avenue.
Lewis Family Playhouse Announces its 17th Season with Paul Reiser, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, and More Pg. 5 PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
(Left to right) Artist Christian Mariscal and a CHP officer discussing the details of the mural.
By Manny Sandoval
T
Inland EmpireLocal Community Teamsters 1932 Newspapers Secures Early Office: (909) 381-9898 Implementation of $25 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Minimum Wage for Advertising: sales@iecn.com Legals : iecnlegals@hotmail.com Healthcare Workers
Pg. 5
HOW TO REACH US Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecn1@mac.com Legals: iecnlegals@gmail.com
his morning, July 9th, the Rudy C. Hernandez Community Center buzzed with excitement as a new mural, entitled “Welcome to San Bernardino,” was unveiled in a ceremony that brought together local artists, community leaders, and residents. The vibrant mural, created by San Bernardino Native Christian Mariscal, is a significant addition to the San Bernardino Beautification and Cultural Infusion Project, funded by a Creative Corps Inland SoCal grant from the Inland Empire Community Foundation in partnership with the California Arts Council. The ceremony, which began at 10:00 a.m., marked a celebration of the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Each letter of the mural’s “San Bernardino” lettering showcases colorful and intricate depictions of the community, embodying the city’s spirit and
(Left to right) Executive Director of Arts Connection Alejandro Gutierrez Chavez thanking Mayor Helen Tran for attending the unveiling.
diversity. Artist Christian Mariscal, known for his previous public art projects, including murals at parks and community centers across the city, spent 28 days, totaling 220 hours, creating this masterpiece. “I’ve been doing a lot of serape style artwork and I tied that into the lettering and the background,” Mariscal shared.
commission artists for public murals, $40,000 for cultural demonstrations and workshops, and $20,000 for supplies and equipment. The project aims to celebrate and enhance the cultural richness of San Bernardino through art, and another mural is currently planned for the Encanto Community Center.
Mariscal’s journey as an artist began in his youth, using graffiti as his medium. “I started spray painting at 11 or 12 years old,” he said. “I want people to understand that graffiti is art and I’m here breaking barriers with a spray can. I didn’t grow up with much education but I was able to use a spray can as my medium.” Mariscal has six murals across San Bernardino, and his work can be seen outside the Orange Show, the 5th Street Senior Center, and other locations.
Alejandro Gutierrez Chavez, Executive Director of Arts Connection, highlighted the broader impact of the project. “Arts Connection helped advocate for the funds in partnership with the Inland Empire Community Foundation,” he said. “We pulled in $3.7 million directly to artists in San Bernardino and after one year since the grantees were selected, it’s amazing to see this mural come to life.”
The San Bernardino Beautification and Cultural Infusion Project, made possible by a $100,000 grant, allocated $40,000 to
Chavez also emphasized community involvement in the project. “Arts Connection engaged 448 residents in the Mural cont. on next pg.