Turlock building has a colorful new tribute to Chicano culture. Learn the story behind it
A wall in Turlock’s West Side neighborhood is being adorned with a mural, thanks to the city’s Carnegie Arts Center.
The Turlock West Side Story Mural Project is funded with a grant from the Heartland Creative Corps, according to a press release from the arts center.
The project actually will include two murals — one permanent, one temporary — both designed and painted under the direction of artist and UC Merced faculty member Richard Gomez, the release says.
The first mural, titled “Chicano Downtown,” is being painted on an exterior wall of the building at 132 S. First St.
“The design includes references to icons of Chicano culture and reflects the history of the neighborhood,” the press release says. “Gomez’s family owned the Mexican Kitchen restaurant that at one time occupied the building the mural will appear on. His memories of family, neighborhood, and community have informed the mural’s design.”
Gomez and two assistants began working on the First Street mural in late August. It’s planned to be completed in time for a free community celebration, hosted by Taqueria la Primera and the Carnegie Arts Center on Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to the release. Saturday is the second day of Hispanic Heritage Month.
The event will include a car show, live music by Valley Wolf and nonprofit vendor and activity booths.
The second mural will be painted inside the Carnegie Arts Center’s main exhibition gallery in January 2024. It will be featured in a retrospective exhibit of paintings by Gomez that will be on view Feb. 13-May 18, according to the release.
It will be created in collaboration with students from Turlock’s Roselawn High School. “Youth participants will shape the content and design of the project under the direction of Gomez, who will guide them in finding their voice, conveying a message, and promoting positive change,” the release says.
Much of Gomez’s research and practice has centered on projects that build community engagement, represent underserved or marginalized groups and promote positive social change, the release says.
The second mural will reflect the community-building aspect of his career. Following the exhibit, the mural will be painted over for the Carnegie’s next art installation.
There will be a public reception in February to celebrate the second mural.
This story was originally published September 13, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
