In City Heights today, the community came together to use artistic talent for a good cause. Kids and teens are painting a new mural for the welcome wall of the Copley-Price Family YMCA.
In City Heights today, the community came together to use artistic talent for a good cause. Kids and teens are painting a new mural for the welcome wall of the Copley-Price Family YMCA. The theme is “It takes a village to raise a child.” and it is dedicated to children and families all across the community. The YMCA plans to reveal the finished mural sometime in November.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
We are thrilled to share that ArtReach has been named a finalist for the Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards presented by the San Diego Business Journal.
This recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team and the profound impact we have on our community. As an organization committed to igniting youth creativity through visual arts expression and community connection, being a finalist for this award reinforces our commitment to fostering positive change in San Diego.
This honor fills us with gratitude knowing that our efforts have been acknowledged alongside other incredible organizations dedicated to making a difference. It serves as a powerful reminder that our work in the nonprofit sector holds significant value. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the San Diego Business Journal for this nomination!
Click here to read the full list of organizations doing the collective work that is fueling a brighter future for our community.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
ArtWalk Liberty Station is back for its 18th year, bringing a weekend-long celebration of arts and culture to San Diego’s Liberty Station on August 4, 5, and 6.
Curt Brooker, Director of ArtWalk San Diego, talks with CBS 8 News to talk about ArtWalk Liberty Station. Amongst the booths local artists, live music, and delicious food will be ArtReach, a local nonprofit providing free arts education to youth in San Diego. In order to help raise funds for their in-class programs, free mural programs, and community workshops, ArtReach will be hosting a guitar giveaway at their booth. Here’s what Curt had to say to CBS 8 News about the giveaway:
“Artwalk always partners with and supports ArtReach, and they bring art classes back to elementary schools in San Diego County. They’re going to have these amazing guitars there and they’re going to be doing a giveaway where you can submit a $20 donation per ticket, and at the end of the show they’ll draw a name, and you’ll be able to take home one of these amazing guitars”.
“That is pretty impressive, the level of detail – that is beautiful!” – CBS8NEWS
Custom-painted Fender Acoustic guitar by artist Yesica Corral
Custom-painted Taylor Acoustic guitar by artist Norm Daniels
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
College Area and Rolando residents of all ages worked together to paint a vibrant mural on the wall of The Little Flower, a floral shop located at 5547 El Cajon Blvd.
The public art project was funded by the College Area Community Council and College Area Business District in partnership with ArtReach, which provides in-class arts education and encourages community connections through its mural program. The mural design was envisioned by El Cerrito artist, Regan Russell, inspired by the shop’s motto, “From the Heart!”.
The summer season in College Area began with several great events and there’s more to come. On June 24, community members had the chance to help paint a mural on the long, outside wall of The Little Flower at 5547 El Cajon Blvd.
Community members shared their time and their talent to help make the new public art piece so striking. The colorful mural was the result of a collaboration with ArtReach, a visual arts education program focusing on social-emotional learning and community connections through in-class programs, and the ArtReach Mural Program. This project was funded by the College Area Community Council and the College Area Business District.
Regan Russell, an artist who happens to live in the El Cerrito neighborhood of College Area, created the mural concept with inspiration from the core business value of this wonderful local florist. Maria Elena Grimm established the shop in 2014 and says their business slogan is, “Designs are created especially for you from the heart.”
The Little Flower is also a recipient of the City of San Diego’s Storefront Improvement Program. This additional opportunity provides small business owners with a no-cost design consultation and reimbursement of half of the cost to revamp their front facade, up to $8,000. Please visit our College Area Business District to see the beautiful new mural and storefront improvements at The Little Flower.
While some community members helped paint the mural, other community members were painting and planting pots at the College-Rolando Library‘s Gardenpalooza, including a succulent swap and other environmentally-friendly fun.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
To boost arts and cultural experiences for San Diegans, the city is funneling $12.2 million to local nonprofits for programming and neighborhood projects this fiscal year. Among the recipients were ArtReach San Diego, which provides free or low-cost visual arts education to Title 1 schools.
To boost arts and cultural experiences for San Diegans, the city is funneling $12.2 million to local nonprofits for programming and neighborhood projects this fiscal year.
Among the 113 recipients were ArtReach San Diego, which provides free- or low-cost visual arts education to Title 1 schools; Fern Street Community Arts, which brings circus performance and education to underserved communities; and the San Diego Children’s Choir, which provides children with music education and performance opportunities.
Funding was also given to 73 organizations for neighborhood projects, such as to the Chicano Park Steering Committee for its annual Chicano Park Day and to the Pacific Beach Community Development for summer concerts to he held at Kate Sessions Park.
The funding is an annual occurrence for the city’s Commission for Arts and Culture, supporting programs and activities such as film and video screenings, exhibits, performances, festivals, parades and other neighborhood events.
“Our annual support of local arts and cultural organizations fosters a stronger economy, creates more jobs, gives our city a sense of identity and enhances the lives of San Diegans and our visitors from around the world,” said Mayor Todd Gloria.
The funding is generated through a local allocation of Transient Occupancy Tax collected from visitors who stay overnight in hotels, motels and other similar accommodations.
Funds are awarded to applicants by the commission’s Organization Support Program and Creative Communities San Diego, which support nonprofits and neighborhood projects, respectively.
Nonprofit arts and culture organizations can use funding to deliver programs and activities that offer residents and tourists direct access to arts and culture opportunities.
“As the region’s largest annual funder for arts and culture, the city of San Diego puts creativity into action daily,” said Jonathon Glus, Executive Director for Arts and Culture. “These investments provide a lasting impact through job creation, they build stronger communities and empower arts and cultural organizations to reach and engage all San Diegans.”
The city will announce the application process for fiscal year 2025 this fall. To learn more, visit sandiego.gov/arts-culture.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
The Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, renowned for its commitment to developing top-tier athletes, has undergone a captivating transformation with the help of ArtReach San Diego.
The Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, renowned for its commitment to developing top-tier athletes, has undergone a captivating transformation with the help of ArtReach San Diego. In an exciting collaboration, ArtReach embarked on a project at the training center’s classroom working alongside enthusiastic students from the Chula Vista Elementary School District’s summer camp. Supported by the City of Chula Vista through the Create Chula Vista Visual Arts Grant, this initiative aims to inspire young minds while adding a touch of artistic brilliance to the training center’s environment.
Engaging Students in Sports Medicine and Health:
The project took place at the Health Station classroom within the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, where students from the Chula Vista Elementary School District had the unique opportunity to delve into the world of sports medicine and health. Throughout the week, these aspiring young minds participated in activities such as learning how to tape ankles and creating model prosthetics, expanding their knowledge and fostering an appreciation for careers in these fields.
The Mural Creation Process:
ArtReach San Diego’s Mural Team collaborated closely with the summer camp students, combining their creative energies to bring the mural to life. The students not only contributed to the painting process but also infused the project with their focused and joyful energy. Under the guidance of ArtReach’s talented artists, the students experienced the thrill of transforming a blank wall into a vibrant work of art.
The Striking Mural:
Although the project is still in progress, the mural already promises to be a remarkable addition to the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center. With ArtReach San Diego’s expertise and the students’ contributions, the mural is poised to capture the essence of athleticism, health, and inspiration. Stay tuned for the final unveiling as the team completes the remaining wall, which is sure to be a visual testament to the power of art and community collaboration.
Acknowledging the Grant:
The realization of this project would not have been possible without the generous support of the City of Chula Vista through the Create Chula Vista Visual Arts Grant. By investing in initiatives like this, the city demonstrates its commitment to fostering artistic expression and bringing the community together through public art.
Conclusion:
The ongoing mural project at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, led by ArtReach San Diego, showcases the power of art to engage, inspire, and transform spaces. With the involvement of enthusiastic students from the Chula Vista Elementary School District’s summer camp and the support of the City of Chula Vista, this endeavor encapsulates the spirit of creativity, education, and community collaboration. As the mural nears completion, it stands as a testament to the lasting impact of art in unexpected places and its ability to ignite imaginations and inspire future generations.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
When art funding was slashed from San Diego school budgets, ArtReach said we need to do something. ArtReach was founded to not only fund but actually do outreach to facilitate art programs.
ArtReach’s annual Charity Art Auction is a highly anticipated event that showcases the talent of local and renowned artists. The fundraiser challenges artists to transform ordinary objects into unique and extraordinary works of art, highlighting the idea that anything can be art. By participating in the auction, artists have the opportunity to expand their client base while supporting arts programs for youth.
While the auction takes place online and is open to anyone nationwide, ArtReach has partnered with ArtWalk since 2019 to showcase the art at their outdoor festivals. These events provide local and visiting attendees the opportunity to view the auction items in person and place bids in person. The exposure provided by ArtWalk increases the audience to both the auction and the programs.
Thanks to the generosity of businesses and major supporters, ArtReach has had access to a wide range of items that artists can use as their canvases. These partnerships ensure that the entirety of the funds raised supports both the participating artists and ArtReach’s free programs for youth that do not otherwise have access to visual arts opportunities. Since 2019 the impact has funded over $119,000 for Arts Education. Over 332 custom art pieces have been designed by 113 professional and student artists.
Art on Bicycles
10 BICYCLES
65 HELMETS, BELLS, & BASKETS
29 ARTISTS
New bicycles and accessories donated by Electra Bicycle Company
Electra Bicycle Company, a San Diego-based company and the leading lifestyle bicycle brand in the U.S. has generously donated a collection of bikes and accessories to be transformed by local artists. Founded in Southern California in 1993, Electra has aimed to put the fun into bike riding again. Their founding philosophy combines creativity, innovation, design, and attention to detail to make the most comfortable bikes possible. We’re so honored and thrilled to be partnering with them on this event!
ArtReach has partnered with Mission Fed ArtWalk to showcase the Bicycle Art Auction during their event on April 29th & 30th. Visitors can view the art at the Piazza della Famiglia in Little Italy to view painted bicycles and accessories up close! ArtReach staff is on-site to facilitate in-person bids on your favorites. Proceeds from this Charity Art Auction directly benefit our free programs for youth that do not otherwise have access to visual arts opportunities.
Vans Fashion Valley donated over 100 pairs of Vans shoes to be transformed into custom, wearable works of art by local artists. Artists customized the shoes with acrylic paint, paint pens, crystals, a collage technique using printed fabric images, and even paint that is black light reactive to create truly unique, custom art for your feet.
All 87 pairs of Vans were sold through an online auction and were exhibited during ArtWalk @ Liberty Station in August 2022. In addition to the auction, this was the first project where two featured artists joined our team at ArtWalk to custom-paint Vans live for attendees to take home on the spot. Proceeds from this Charity Art Auction directly benefited our free programs for youth that do not otherwise have access to visual arts opportunities.
Over 130 vinyl records were collected from local record stores to be transformed into custom works of art. The project also featured three electric guitars that were donated by Fender for artists to transform into unique, playable works of art. Artists customized the records and guitars with a variety of mixed media, acrylic paint, oil paint, resin, spray paint, glass, collage art, and fibers to create truly unique, custom art. Some of the artists also created 3D sculptural pieces, featuring a dress form made from melted vinyl and fibers, a relief sculpture made with carved vinyl and live moss, and a 4’x6′ relief painting of an owl made up broken-up pieces of vinyl.
For the first time, the auction featured art by local student artists. Participating artist and teacher Paul Mericle led his 9th-12th grade students at Francis Parker School through a mixed-media project, incorporating vinyl record art that will be included in the auction. ArtReach is proud to support student artists by giving them the opportunity to experience the process of exhibiting and selling their artwork.
All of the records and guitars were sold through an online auction and were exhibited during Mission Fed ArtWalk in April 2022. Proceeds from this Charity Art Auction directly benefited our free programs for youth that do not otherwise have access to visual arts opportunities.
32 ARTISTS New electric & acoustic guitars donated by Fender
Electric guitars were transformed into playable art! Fender generously donated 32 electric, acoustic, and bass guitars to be transformed into playable works of art by local artists. Artists customized the guitars with acrylic paint, resin, spray paint, tape dots, Posca pens, and ink to create truly unique, custom art.
Among the participating artists were singer-songwriter and philanthropist Jason Mraz and musician Tom Delonge of Blink-182.
All 32 guitars were sold through an online auction and were exhibited during Mission Fed ArtWalk in April 2021. Proceeds from this Charity Art Auction directly benefited our free programs for youth that do not otherwise have access to visual arts opportunities.
James Hood Guitar and Wildcat Guitars in Escondido donated their time and services to reassemble all of the guitars and ensure they were all playable and ready for the auction.
31 ARTISTS New electric & acoustic guitars donated by Fender
Fender generously donated 30 EVH Wolfgang Standard electric guitars to be transformed into playable works of art by local artists. As an added bonus, an anonymous donor provided a Mark Hoppus Signature Jazz Bass from their personal collection to also be included in the auction. Artists customized the guitars with acrylic paint, resin, spray paint, glass mosaic, collage art, and even crystals to create truly unique, custom art.
All 31 guitars were sold through an online auction and were exhibited during ArtWalk @ Liberty Station in October 2020. Proceeds from this Charity Art Auction directly benefited our free programs for youth that do not otherwise have access to visual arts opportunities. Among the participating artists was singer-songwriter and activist Michael Franti, who painted the title of his popular album and song, “Stay Human.”
Rerip generously donated 35 recycled surfboards to be transformed into custom works of art by local artists. Artists customized the guitars with acrylic paint, oil paint, resin, spray paint, and glass mosaic to create truly unique, custom art. One surfboard was even created completely out of wood.
Among the participating artists was singer-songwriter and philanthropist Jason Mraz, whose all-white “PEACE AND QUIET” surfboard transformed under black light to show the bright and bold “MAKE SOME NOISE.”
All 35 surfboards were sold through an online auction and were exhibited during Mission Fed ArtWalk in April 2019. Proceeds from this Charity Art Auction directly benefited our free programs for youth that do not otherwise have access to visual arts opportunities.
Each year ArtReach chooses a new canvas to which artists create one of a kind masterpieces and those precious pieces are auctioned off. Because of the unique nature of these pieces and the work of the ArtReach Marketing and PR team they get lots of local attention. They are masters at partnering and recognition. Here are some examples of the public ways they solicit for artists and support.
Artists and donors that want to partner with ArtReach on a future Charity Art Auction If you or your business share our commitment to ignite youth creativity, here is how they work together!
Website: Feature your linked logo on the ArtReach website as a partner. (3k monthly visitors)
Media: Include you in the auction-related press release for distribution to local media, with an opportunity to appear on local news/comment for articles related to the fundraiser.
Emails/Newsletters: Feature you in email blasts related to the fundraiser, directing our supporters to your website. (4k subscribers)
Social Media: Tag you on social media posts related to the fundraiser on Instagram,Facebook,Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts. (8k followers) Event: Include your name and logo on event signage/promotional items.
Special thanks to Anna Laroque, Community Engagement Manager at ArtReach San Diego Area for sharing their fundraising story here.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
Curt Brooker, Director of ArtWalk San Diego, is joined by Sarah Holbach, Executive Director of ArtReach San Diego, to chat about the longest-running outdoor fine art festival in Southern California.
Curt Brooker, Director of ArtWalk San Diego, is joined by Sarah Holbach, Executive Director of ArtReach San Diego, to chat about the longest-running outdoor fine art festival in Southern California. The festival will take place in San Diego’s Little Italy district on April 29 and 30. Brooker and Holbach talk about ArtWalk’s support of ArtReach San Diego, an organization that increases equity in visual arts education in K-8 schools throughout San Diego County.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
Executive Director of ArtReach, Sarah Holbach chats with Hoa Quach about the importance of igniting youth creativity and connecting community through art.
Sarah Holbach said she fell in love with art education at an early age. At 16, she began volunteering and teaching at youth centers across the Inland Empire. Projects always varied, but were always fun.
“I gained expertise in developing innovative programs, writing curricula, teaching, procuring materials, curating and installing immersive installations for galleries, and planning community art events,” Holbach said. “I knew immediately that this would be a lifelong career path, and I was lucky enough to start early.”
Today, the mom of two is the executive director of ArtReach, a nonprofit that gives children the opportunity to work with an artist and to create original work. In the month of March alone, the nonprofit will host 356 classes for young artists.
“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have other creative mentors who taught me the importance of infusing joy into all aspects of my work, counseled me through the technical aspects of nonprofit administration and grant writing, and supported my career development while I started a family,” Holbach said. “Now, with over two decades of experience in the art industry, my ultimate goal is to continue this work, while sharing my knowledge and passion to inspire the next generation of artists and art educators.”
Through her 10 years with ArtReach, Holbach said the nonprofit has worked with nearly 54,000 children through a free visual arts program that focuses on social-emotional learning. Creating confidence among youth is the ultimate goal as they also design unique pieces of art. The nonprofit is even more meaningful in California where art programs continue to be underfunded.
“Our purpose is to ignite youth creativity and connect through community, and we are doing just that. What could be better?” Holbach said.
In April, Holbach and her team will be bringing their knowledge and supplies to the MissionFed ArtWalk in Little Italy. The 39th annual event will take place on Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30, giving attendees the chance to meet local artists, enjoy food and live music, and of course, create masterpieces.
ArtReach will host free, family-friendly art events throughout the weekend with the goal of inspiring more young people. For Holbach, she finds inspiration within her own family.
“I have two small humans, Clementine and Pearl,” she said. “They both spent their baby and toddlerhood at the ArtReach office, growing up alongside our organization. They are our staff muses, our lesson testers, our supply sorters. Witnessing their creative confidence develop has been a daily reminder of why the ArtReach mission is so important.”
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
For the past 15 years, ArtReach has been inspiring creativity in kids throughout San Diego. In addition to helping ArtReach offer no-cost visual arts programs in local schools, volunteers like mural program assistant Sarah Kian lead students to beautify their campuses with colorful, meaningful murals.
What made you want to become a volunteer for ArtReach?
I was really excited to have the opportunity to work with ArtReach and help bring arts education to the local schools of San Diego! I graduated with degrees in Human Biology and Studio Art at UC San Diego and I felt that my arts education was incredibly valuable. It is often something that can be overlooked or the first to go when budgets get tight, but programs like ArtReach do such a beautiful job of upholding the arts within the San Diego community.
Is training required?
Everyone has a unique set of skills and perspectives that can always be seen as an asset when it comes to art! Therefore, no training was necessarily required to be a volunteer as there are so many different ways to help at ArtReach. I was fortunate enough to take an educational studies course where I got to work as a mentor to elementary school students during my time at UC San Diego. This coupled with my art degree was really helpful in getting to work with students in ArtReach’s mural programs.
What is the time commitment?
I currently volunteer on a need basis that works around my work and school schedule, which makes it really easy to devote my spare time to working with ArtReach.
What has been the biggest challenge?
I would say the biggest challenge is saying goodbye to cool projects. I work a lot with the murals program. After spending hours helping a school finish up its beautiful mural, it feels rather bittersweet in the end. It’s exciting to see the final project but you miss getting to work on such a fabulous design. Luckily there’s always the next mural to get excited about!
Who should volunteer for ArtReach?
Anyone who is interested in getting creative and working with some very cool people. You certainly can’t go wrong with volunteering for ArtReach. It is such a blast, and it is really fulfilling getting to contribute towards making San Diego that much more colorful.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
ArtReach, in partnership with The City of Chula Vista and the Create Chula Vista Visual Arts Grant, is thrilled to have brought a new transformative mural to the front of J. Calvin Lauderbach Elementary, bringing life, color, and joy to the front of the school. This mural was designed by local artist, Josué Baltézar, who grew up in Chula Vista himself, and painted by over 100 6th grade students, staff, and community.
Welcome and Bienvenidos to J. Calvin Lauderbach Elementary!
A school of transformation, growth, collaboration, and rootedness, over 100 6th-grade students from the class of 2023 contributed their time, care, and focus to painting this mural. Not only did the participating students paint much of the wall, but they also helped inspire the design during ArtReach-led workshops by sharing their words, ideas, and drawings of what they could envision for the front of their school. The result is this stunning and colorful legacy mural, painted by their very own hands.
From left to right, we start with the larger-than-life, Opuntia (prickly pear cactus) which represents the strength and resilience that Lauderbach students and community carry within them. Joyful Papel Picado (perforated paper) with three birds rests above the door. These three birds not only symbolize journey and destination but also distinctly stand for 3 generations of Lauderbach families and the deep-rootedness of this community as a whole.
The Lauderbach Cougar, representing school pride, sits and looks towards a hopeful and bright horizon, surrounded by the golden blooms of our state flower, the California poppy. Above the windows is an homage to the City of Chula Vista by rendering a visual tie to the city logo and further encompassing Chula Vista pride.
Lastly, the word Bienvenidos (Welcome) can be seen right at the pickup/drop off area. This marks Lauderbach’s unique position as a dual language immersion school and also welcomes all to the Lauderbach Family.
Collaboration is key
This imaginative mural at J. Calvin Lauderbach Elementary is a bold reminder of what can be achieved when many people collaborate with care and connection. Above all, it is a reminder to all students that just like the powerful and growing Opuntia, they also carry within themselves their own potential for growth, transformation, and the ability to bloom.
This ArtReach mural project was made possible by the City of Chula Vista and The Chula Vista Library through the Create Chula Vista Visual Arts Grant.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
With generous and complete funding from Lawrence A. Appley Foundation, ArtReach Mural Program artists, Regan Russell and Donald Gould, have transformed the two front walls of the YMCA Youth and Family Services Escondido Housing Program apartment complex.
With generous and complete funding from Lawrence A. Appley Foundation, ArtReach Mural Program artists, Regan Russell and Donald Gould, have transformed the two front walls of the YMCA Youth and Family Services Escondido Housing Program apartment complex.
These apartments house 39 youth residents with fully furnished apartments. It offers a safe and welcoming environment for homeless youth, foster youth and transition-age youth to support them in their transition to independence and self-sufficiency.
All About Resilience and Moving Forward
ArtReach gathered words, ideas, writing, themes, imagery, and actual drawings from volunteer youth residents who live onsite. Some of the questions asked to help gather mural imagery were What does living here mean to you? Or What would you want others to feel as they come to live here for the first time?
Youth residents answered with a variety of responses using their own art and words. Amongst their answers were drawings of plants, expressions of calm, of being on a journey, of meditation. One theme in particular kept emerging and that was the theme of resilience: “I was thinking of putting in a desert landscape- to show that even though the desert sometimes feels like there is nothing there, we go on living and go on surviving.”
What we see is just that. Resilient and larger-than life desert plants of agave, prickly pear, and aeoniums grow tall from the earth. A topographical map pattern makes up the background and alludes to the many layers, paths, and future destinations of our shared collective and individual journeys.
As another resident wrote, “I was thinking of adding the words, ‘begin again’ to show that this apartment and these organizations can help people with a new start or the next step into adulthood.” Whether it’s starting a journey or re-starting, this space with the incredible services of YMCA Youth and Family Services and the onsite staff are here for the residents every step of the way.
United We Stand…
Not only did youth residents help contribute with the mural design imagery, but they also physically painted the lower portions of the main wall during a Community Paint Day hosted by ArtReach. This was a chance for residents to connect to each other in an engaging and creative way outside of daily life. Working together, painting big, connecting with ArtReach Mural Artists, and hanging out after.
The new murals are right across from a small garden that residents recently just planted themselves. While standing at this small new garden of sprouts, you can see the bursting with life prickly pear cactus on the mural wall. Through calming yet bright colors and through community care the residents have this daily reminder of their own resilience while tending to, nurturing, and planting their own future dreams and aspirations.
The ArtReach Mural Program and Mural Artists are honored to have helped contribute to the transformation of such an important home for current and future residents.
Amanda Sanchez, Associate Executive Director of YMCA Youth & Family Services said, “I am excited that the participants now have something to represent them in their community. Throughout the development process, participants could connect and share what the program means to them. I want to thank everyone who contributed to this project and made an impactful statement. This beautiful vibrant mural depicts having a safe place to heal, grow, and reach your fullest potential.”
Notable Partners:
Lawrence A. Appley Foundation: This project was funded fully by Lawrence A. Appley Foundation. The Lawrence A. Appley Foundation, Inc. (LAAF) Certificate of Incorporation includes the following statement. “The purposes for which the corporation (Foundation) is formed are… …charitable… …scientific, literary, or educational…” We encourage LAAF Board Members located around the country to help identify 501(c)(3) entities by thinking globally and acting locally. We feel strongly about identifying worthwhile 501(c)(3) organizations in San Diego and evaluating them for potential contributions. In our opinion, the following description of how LAAF funds will be used by ArtReach San Diego is an excellent match/fit.
YMCA Youth and Family Services YMCA Youth & Family Services (YFS) is a branch of the YMCA of San Diego County devoted to social services. Our unique programming has been addressing San Diego’s most pressing social issues since 1970 and we continue to expand our services to adapt to our community’s needs.
We are focused on bringing about meaningful and lasting change in our youth and families by ensuring they have a safe place to live; by providing them with a reliable support system; by challenging them to pursue their goals; and by connecting them to resources needed to flourish. YFS now operates a variety of programs throughout San Diego County that combine to serve approximately 15,000 individuals each year.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
The ArtReach Mural Program’s recent mural is being unveiled at John J. Montgomery Elementary. Over 50 students helped inspire the design and paint the welcome mural. This serves as a contribution and legacy gift for their whole campus community.
The ArtReach Mural Program’s recent mural is being unveiled at John J. Montgomery Elementary. Over 50 students helped inspire the design and paint the welcome mural. This serves as a contribution and legacy gift for their whole campus community.
The Welcome Mural
The ribbon-cutting at the school is the culmination and celebration of the whole creative campus, as John J. Montgomery is an arts-focused and designated Turnaround Arts: California school. Student speakers, and a special performance by the Opus Project with the San Diego Youth Symphony will also be highlighted at the event.
ArtReach, a not-for-profit arts education program, has been providing free or low cost in-class and mural instruction since 2007. They focus on Title 1 Schools that have no other resources for visual art education.
The Welcome Mural is the second ArtReach mural on campus. Both murals were designed by Tawianese-American artist, Liesel Plambeck. It features themes that are important to the community of John J. Montgomery- the arts, music, hope, community, the ocean, and school pride with the eagle mascot.
The designs were created using words, drawings and ideas from students as well as school staff during mural workshops. Each and every 6th grader at John J. Montgomery Elementary participated in the process of designing and physically painting the mural.
Dr. Lydia Burgos, John. J Montgomery principal said:
“The ArtReach mural projects at Montgomery have united us around a shared value of caring. Caring for each other and caring for our campus. The pandemic separated us and our murals allowed us to come together in an effort to have our spaces reflect who we are. Educators and families know that students grow when they feel safe and seen. Our murals are a reflection of that effort.”
Knockaround– donated a new pair of sunglasses for every 6th grade artist to keep.
Liesel Plambeck- Mural Artist Partner and Lead Muralist for both Montgomery murals.
About the ArtReach Mural Program:
The ArtReach Mural Program believes in the power of community and art to change lives and spaces. A mural provides an opportunity for people to work together while creating something transformative and lasting for their site. The ArtReach Mural Program works directly with youth at schools and community centers to dream-up large collaborative works that represent their vision.
When the San Diego Unified School District shut down all of its schools on March 16 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, nothing about the mural planned for a wall on the campus of the Pacific View Leadership Elementary School in Paradise Hills happened the way it was supposed to.
