ARTREACH NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 16, 2025
October at ArtReach: Art, Community, and Creativity
October is in full swing, and we’re seeing powerful moments of creativity take shape across San Diego! From bold new murals to meaningful youth art programs, we continue to connect people through the power of visual art. Take a moment to catch up on everything ArtReach, including art projects, meaningful partnerships, and people bringing creativity to life in our community.
Empowering Young Artists Through YMCA Residencies
ArtReach is thrilled to partner with the YMCA to bring vibrant, hands-on art experiences to students across 16 after school programs in Escondido and 4 Fall intercession programs in the South Bay. Our residencies celebrate the unique culture and environment of San Diego, inviting young artists to explore their creativity through projects that reflect the world around them. From paintings of playful harbor seals to quilts featuring symbols of California and beyond, students are making meaningful connections to their community while building confidence in their artistic voices.
With nearly 1,500 students engaged across the county, our dedicated team of teaching artists is working hard to make magic happen in every classroom. We deeply value our ongoing partnership with the YMCA, which makes it possible to share the transformative power of art with so many young people. Together, we are sparking creativity, joy, and a lasting connection to the arts for students throughout San Diego County.
Painting Together at Addis Ethiopian Restaurant
We are honored to share that our mural program led a vibrant community project that transformed the exterior wall of Addis Ethiopian Restaurant, located on the corner of El Cajon Blvd and Cherokee Ave. Over 50 community members, from a 2-year-old all the way to a 90-year-old, joined ArtReach artists to paint together, turning the process into a joyful, intergenerational celebration of culture, creativity, and connection.
Designed by Esteban Sánchez, the mural honors the traditions of food, family, and togetherness at Addis (3643 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104). At its center is a shared Ethiopian meal on a mesob, the traditional woven platter, surrounded by injera and colorful dishes. Hands of different ages reach in to eat, their sleeves decorated with patterns inspired by Ethiopian textiles. A hand pouring coffee from a jebena into a cini cup highlights Ethiopia’s iconic coffee ceremony, while a yellow meskel flower motif reflects community input and cultural roots.
The project was created in partnership with Akitso, a nonprofit advancing equity in the food industry through design. We used a special mural fabric called polytab, which allowed us to involve community members in painting the first layers together before finishing in our studios and installing the artwork on site. Special thanks to Fekad and Alem, owners of Addis, for keeping the team nourished with incredible food and coffee, and to Prospect Tools and Equipment for donating the scissor lift that made this project possible.
Come by and see the mural yourself, and while you’re there, enjoy an incredible shared meal at Addis-where warm hospitality and delicious food reflect the very spirit the artwork celebrates.
In the Studio with Bunky: Building Confidence Through Creativity
We recently asked Carlos “Bunky” Hernandez, to reflect on their time at ArtReach this summer — and what they shared perfectly captures the heart of what we do.
Bunky, a queer, non-binary, first-generation student and San Diego native, grew up in the vibrant neighborhood of Barrio Logan and joined ArtReach through the Transforming Futures program at UC Santa Cruz. Drawn to ArtReach’s mission of inspiring self-expression through visual art, Bunky quickly became a joyful presence in the studio — supporting young artists, assisting teaching staff, and helping create an environment where creativity, laughter, and confidence could thrive.
From prepping art materials to jumping in on projects alongside students, Bunky found fulfillment in connecting with youth and celebrating every stage of the artistic process. Their thoughtful approach and contagious positivity made a lasting impression on everyone at ArtReach.
“It was awesome to form such a great relationship with my coworkers and the students. I truly felt fulfilled each day I came here,” Bunky shared.
We’re so grateful for Bunky’s time with us and can’t wait to see all the amazing things they’ll continue to do.
Partner Spotlight: Bloomingdale’s x ArtReach at Fashion Valley
The ArtReach Mural Program was thrilled to partner with Fashion Valley and Bloomingdale’s! As part of their “Just Imagine” fall campaign, artist Lux Meteora created a six-canvas mural celebrating the spirit of San Diego while weaving in Bloomingdale’s rich history and contemporary style. Each painting stands as a strong individual work of art, while together they form one unified composition.
From left to right, iconic San Diego landmarks and cultural symbols appear: a humpback whale and surf culture, the Balboa Park tower, the Ocean Beach pier, Hotel Del Coronado, the Star of India, papel picado, and the sea lions of La Jolla Cove. Intertwined with these are Bloomingdale’s references, past and present: the Big Brown Bag, vintage fashion, a New York “I ♥ SD” nod, high-end accessories, and the signature “BLOOM” carried through papel picado.
This mural combines landscapes, fashion, and history into a dynamic narrative. It embodies discovery and celebration, imagining Bloomingdale’s past, present, and future through the lens of San Diego’s vibrant culture. You can see them showcased right now at Fashion Valley’s window display! We are so thankful to Bloomingdale’s for supporting arts education through this commission.
Join Us for a Weekend of Chalk Art in Little Italy
Join ArtReach in the Kids Chalk Zone at Galbani Bella Vita Fest in Little Italy this Saturday and Sunday and create some chalk art with us! While artists bring Little Italy’s streets to life with live chalk murals, kids and families can create their own Italian food-inspired masterpieces using colorful chalk pastels on black paper. From pizza and pasta to rainbow scoops of gelato, every creation is a chance to imagine, play, and bring home a piece of the festival!
Mark Your Calendar for October 18 & 19, 2025
Saturday: 11am-6pm & Sunday: 11am-5pm
Bella Vita Fest, produced by ArtWalk, promises a unique experience for attendees. View chalk art paintings being created live before your eyes on the pavement. Treat yourself to delicious Italian wines and food, and enjoy live music with an Italian flair.
Mural Program Internship Opportunity
Are you (or someone you know) passionate about public art, community engagement, and hands-on creative work? We’re looking for a Mural Program Intern to join the ArtReach team.
This paid, entry-level internship is a designed as a learning experience, offering mentorship, skill-building, and professional development for those interested in murals and community-based art. As part of the ArtReach Mural Team, you’ll help bring large-scale murals to life in schools and neighborhoods across San Diego. You’ll support muralists with painting, prep, and materials, while also receiving mentorship from professional artists and connecting with students and community members who take part in the process.
It’s a great way to build artistic skills, gain real-world experience, and learn directly from working artists who are making a difference through public art and community-based projects.
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