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Community Spirit and Legacy of Precita Eyes
©2020 Precita Eyes
Size: 12’-25’ high x 88’ long, excluding garage doors (these will be replaced in the future)
Designed with the residents of the three buildings on the site, members of the community, and Precita Eyes staff, students, board members and volunteers.
Location: Corner at 344-346-348 Precita Avenue and Treat Streets
Artists: Fred Alvarado, Teresa Benson, Xavier Bess, Julia Barzizza, Susan Cervantes, Elaine Chu, Yoshua Cordoba, George Crampton, Yuka Ezoe, Diego Irizarry, Kiry Luc, Marisa Mariscoti, Max Marttila, Dennis MacKenzie, John Morrow, Noaki Onadera, Henry Sultan, Deirdre Weinberg, Jude Pagpaguitan, Estefanie, and more.
History of the location:
The latest community mural designed by Precita Eyes Muralists wraps around 344-348 Precita Avenue. Precita Eyes founder, Susan Kelk Cervantes, has taught children, youth and mural art classes in the Bernal Heights/Mission studio since 1979.
“This is our original Precita Eyes Muralists studio where hundreds of children and youth have been transformed by realizing their own creativity and imagination through the arts” by Susan Cervantes, Founding Director, Precita Eyes Muralists Association, Inc.
Mural process:
This mural is a culmination of a collaborative effort by Precita Eyes youth, staff, board, tenants of 344- 346-348 Precita and community residents. Over 20 artists, community and youth have contributed to the mural design concept and many participated in the painting process. Community mural design workshops started in October 2019 and the mural design concept was completed January 2020.
©2020 Precita Eyes
Size: 12’-25’ high x 88’ long, excluding garage doors (these will be replaced in the future)
Designed with the residents of the three buildings on the site, members of the community, and Precita Eyes staff, students, board members and volunteers.
Location: Corner at 344-346-348 Precita Avenue and Treat Streets
Artists: Fred Alvarado, Teresa Benson, Xavier Bess, Julia Barzizza, Susan Cervantes, Elaine Chu, Yoshua Cordoba, George Crampton, Yuka Ezoe, Diego Irizarry, Kiry Luc, Marisa Mariscoti, Max Marttila, Dennis MacKenzie, John Morrow, Noaki Onadera, Henry Sultan, Deirdre Weinberg, Jude Pagpaguitan, Estefanie, and more.
History of the location:
The latest community mural designed by Precita Eyes Muralists wraps around 344-348 Precita Avenue. Precita Eyes founder, Susan Kelk Cervantes, has taught children, youth and mural art classes in the Bernal Heights/Mission studio since 1979.
“This is our original Precita Eyes Muralists studio where hundreds of children and youth have been transformed by realizing their own creativity and imagination through the arts” by Susan Cervantes, Founding Director, Precita Eyes Muralists Association, Inc.
Mural process:
This mural is a culmination of a collaborative effort by Precita Eyes youth, staff, board, tenants of 344- 346-348 Precita and community residents. Over 20 artists, community and youth have contributed to the mural design concept and many participated in the painting process. Community mural design workshops started in October 2019 and the mural design concept was completed January 2020.
Description
Starting on the north facing wall of Precita Avenue
Flaming Paint Brush
A flaming paintbrush is held by hands of generations of artists who worked with Precita Eyes Muralists. The flaming brush symbolizes the passion to create art across the generations.
Children Painting the Precita Eyes Logo
The Precita Eyes logo, being painted by three children, represents our children, youth and community mural arts programs that has been continuous for decades.
Hummingbird
A hummingbird appears in the stairwell representing courage and determination and is native to the Bay Area, accompanied by Yellow Feather, a canary that flew into the studio, was adopted, and stayed for years.
On the corner
Chichen Itza Pyramid
Inspired by a temple dedicated to the God of wind and wisdom, Quetzalcoatl (plumed serpent), at Chichen Itza stands at the corner of the building, emitting DNA strands that link the Earth to the Cosmos. and our relationship ‘As Above, So Below’; and the integration of spirit in physical human form. This cultural landmark from the Yucatan Peninsula marks a history of observing the stars and the study of the universe from this continent of first nation people since before 600 AD.
Above the Pyramid from left to right shows a symbol of the ball court hoop, the ball player followed by Quetzalcoatl/Kukulka (Plumed Serpent), and the Fifth Sun. Above the bay windows is the Milky Way Galaxy, and moving from east to west the Big Dipper, Sirius, the Orion Belt and Pleiades/7-Sisters star systems.
Monarch and Swallowtail Butterflies
The mural shows two swarms of butterflies: Monarchs, coming from the West (or right) side of the mural, and Anise Swallowtails, coming from Bernal Heights down into Precita Valley (East face, on Treat Street). Both swarms converge and mingle at the center, creating a giant Carnaval mask shaped like a butterfly. The mask displays characteristics of both species.
Monarch butterflies are a powerful yet gentle symbol/metaphor for immigration, as this species will migrate thousands of miles each year, sailing easily above the wall that separates us from Mexico at the border.
Anise Swallowtails are a species that thrives here in our neighborhood, although their numbers have been greatly reduced due to habitat destruction and climate change.
Carnaval has been celebrated in the Mission district for over 40 years and the first Carnaval was in Precita Park.
To the left of the corner facing Treat Street.
Tree Woman:
Under a warm, bright sun grows an acacia tree bearing multiple fruits and flowers all from the same stem. They represent the many artists and students who have blossomed and grown from Precita Eyes. The trunk of the tree turns into a woman. Her arms branch upward, lifting the boughs of the tree. She is pregnant with a belly full of Earth -- Atlas reversed -- showing that we are on Earth’s shoulders, and not the other way around. Her roots reach vast and deep. The acacia tree also represents our 50 year history at Precita Park surrounded by acacia trees and is inspired by Susan Cervantes’ diptych mural “Family Life and Spirit of Mankind” on the Flynn Elementary school facing Precita Park that depicts trees inspired by those trees.
Huelga Bird
The Huelga bird is a symbol of the United Farmworkers honoring their work with much love and respect.
The Crow
The crow is a clever artist with a spray can in his talons. Crows are said to have very good sight and memory, and by painting him on his perch, we pay respects to the birds who live in the park, and the memories they carry.
Bernal Hill
In the background we see Bernal Hill as a watchful guardian. The hill has served as a sacred space for many San Franciscans and native people before us. Below the homes surrounding Precita Park cozy-up as a red classic car cruises behind Precita Park picnickers. They read, and listen to music, and play dominoes while their dog plays in the grass. A queer couple also enjoy their picnic nearby. Both couples are representative of the many communities that enjoy Precita Park.
Precita Creek
Below the picnickers we see an uncovered image of Precita Creek, which once ran free along Precita Avenue, and gives the street it’s unique path.
Factwino
Factwino, a legendary San Francisco Mime Troupe character, zaps the forces of ignorance and erroneous arguments with his arsenal of facts. Sf Mime Troupe performed during the summers in Precita Park for many decades.
Nancy Pili/Food for the People
Nancy Pili Hernandez, a long time Bernal neighbor, is portrayed grilling veggie burgers and Feeding The People. Nancy has been providing free food for our Urban Youth Arts Festivals for several years. A hungry dog smiles on, hoping for leftovers or rewards.
Congueros
At the top of the wall are 2 congueros sitting on a bench at the birthplace of Latin Rock, playing the drums. Near the intersection of the Mission and Bernal dwellings, formerly known as Army Street Projects, Precita and Garfield Parks have created the conditions that gave us a new mixture of Black and Brown music that has become world famous.
Below the congueros are local dancers practicing for carnaval.
Finally is the Urban Youth Arts Festival in Precita Park celebrating youth arts for over 20 years.
Flaming Paint Brush
A flaming paintbrush is held by hands of generations of artists who worked with Precita Eyes Muralists. The flaming brush symbolizes the passion to create art across the generations.
Children Painting the Precita Eyes Logo
The Precita Eyes logo, being painted by three children, represents our children, youth and community mural arts programs that has been continuous for decades.
Hummingbird
A hummingbird appears in the stairwell representing courage and determination and is native to the Bay Area, accompanied by Yellow Feather, a canary that flew into the studio, was adopted, and stayed for years.
On the corner
Chichen Itza Pyramid
Inspired by a temple dedicated to the God of wind and wisdom, Quetzalcoatl (plumed serpent), at Chichen Itza stands at the corner of the building, emitting DNA strands that link the Earth to the Cosmos. and our relationship ‘As Above, So Below’; and the integration of spirit in physical human form. This cultural landmark from the Yucatan Peninsula marks a history of observing the stars and the study of the universe from this continent of first nation people since before 600 AD.
Above the Pyramid from left to right shows a symbol of the ball court hoop, the ball player followed by Quetzalcoatl/Kukulka (Plumed Serpent), and the Fifth Sun. Above the bay windows is the Milky Way Galaxy, and moving from east to west the Big Dipper, Sirius, the Orion Belt and Pleiades/7-Sisters star systems.
Monarch and Swallowtail Butterflies
The mural shows two swarms of butterflies: Monarchs, coming from the West (or right) side of the mural, and Anise Swallowtails, coming from Bernal Heights down into Precita Valley (East face, on Treat Street). Both swarms converge and mingle at the center, creating a giant Carnaval mask shaped like a butterfly. The mask displays characteristics of both species.
Monarch butterflies are a powerful yet gentle symbol/metaphor for immigration, as this species will migrate thousands of miles each year, sailing easily above the wall that separates us from Mexico at the border.
Anise Swallowtails are a species that thrives here in our neighborhood, although their numbers have been greatly reduced due to habitat destruction and climate change.
Carnaval has been celebrated in the Mission district for over 40 years and the first Carnaval was in Precita Park.
To the left of the corner facing Treat Street.
Tree Woman:
Under a warm, bright sun grows an acacia tree bearing multiple fruits and flowers all from the same stem. They represent the many artists and students who have blossomed and grown from Precita Eyes. The trunk of the tree turns into a woman. Her arms branch upward, lifting the boughs of the tree. She is pregnant with a belly full of Earth -- Atlas reversed -- showing that we are on Earth’s shoulders, and not the other way around. Her roots reach vast and deep. The acacia tree also represents our 50 year history at Precita Park surrounded by acacia trees and is inspired by Susan Cervantes’ diptych mural “Family Life and Spirit of Mankind” on the Flynn Elementary school facing Precita Park that depicts trees inspired by those trees.
Huelga Bird
The Huelga bird is a symbol of the United Farmworkers honoring their work with much love and respect.
The Crow
The crow is a clever artist with a spray can in his talons. Crows are said to have very good sight and memory, and by painting him on his perch, we pay respects to the birds who live in the park, and the memories they carry.
Bernal Hill
In the background we see Bernal Hill as a watchful guardian. The hill has served as a sacred space for many San Franciscans and native people before us. Below the homes surrounding Precita Park cozy-up as a red classic car cruises behind Precita Park picnickers. They read, and listen to music, and play dominoes while their dog plays in the grass. A queer couple also enjoy their picnic nearby. Both couples are representative of the many communities that enjoy Precita Park.
Precita Creek
Below the picnickers we see an uncovered image of Precita Creek, which once ran free along Precita Avenue, and gives the street it’s unique path.
Factwino
Factwino, a legendary San Francisco Mime Troupe character, zaps the forces of ignorance and erroneous arguments with his arsenal of facts. Sf Mime Troupe performed during the summers in Precita Park for many decades.
Nancy Pili/Food for the People
Nancy Pili Hernandez, a long time Bernal neighbor, is portrayed grilling veggie burgers and Feeding The People. Nancy has been providing free food for our Urban Youth Arts Festivals for several years. A hungry dog smiles on, hoping for leftovers or rewards.
Congueros
At the top of the wall are 2 congueros sitting on a bench at the birthplace of Latin Rock, playing the drums. Near the intersection of the Mission and Bernal dwellings, formerly known as Army Street Projects, Precita and Garfield Parks have created the conditions that gave us a new mixture of Black and Brown music that has become world famous.
Below the congueros are local dancers practicing for carnaval.
Finally is the Urban Youth Arts Festival in Precita Park celebrating youth arts for over 20 years.