Mural Restorations
Tuzuri Watu Restoration
Located: 3rd and Palou
Created by: Brooke Fancher (1984)
Located: 3rd and Palou
Created by: Brooke Fancher (1984)
"”Mission Health Center Mural" Restoration, 2016
©2016 Precita Eyes Muralists 2016
Artist: Michael Rios, the founder of Creative Vision Arts, in collaboration with Susan Cervantes
Location: 240 Shotwell Street, San Francisco
©2016 Precita Eyes Muralists 2016
Artist: Michael Rios, the founder of Creative Vision Arts, in collaboration with Susan Cervantes
Location: 240 Shotwell Street, San Francisco
Description:
Long Time Mural Artists, Michael Rios and Precita Eyes, Restore two Murals in the Mission District. San Francisco, CA (February 29th, 2016)— If you pass by 240 Shotwell Street you will see a long overdue change to the block. Michael Rios, the founder of Creative Vision Arts, along with Susan Cervantes, the Executive Director of Precita Eyes, collaborated at the end of 2015 to restore two of the murals outside of the Mission Neighborhood Health Center building.
The murals were first created by Michael Rios and Graciela Carillo in the 1970’s. Mission Neighborhood contacted Michael Rios and he was more than glad to take part in bringing back the vibrant colors his mural once had. Michael Rios was “excited to work alongside Susan Cervantes to restore what were once vibrant murals”. “It feels like the old times when there were so many artists and we collaborated to make the murals that are part of the Mission District’s legacy”.
Graciela Carillo, the artist of the second mural, could not be found, Susan Cervantes was more than willing to honor her friend’s creation. “We worked closely in the 1960’s and 70’s. I am happy to restore her mural and honor the concept she had when she created the mural” said Susan.
Brenda Storey, the Executive Director of MNHC said “We tried restoring he murals for a while but failed to receive any funding, we are elated to have murals restored back to their original charm”
If you would like to see the restored murals come by 240 Shotwell Street, San Francisco CA, 94110.
About Mission Neighborhood Health Center Since 1967, Mission Neighborhood Health Center has provided culturally competent, comprehensive quality care to the underserved Latino immigrant communities in the eastern part of San Francisco (e.g. Mission, Bayview, Tenderloin and Excelsior area) and northern San Mateo County. In 2015 MNHC provided primary care to over 12,000 children, adolescents, families, and adults in the community.
The murals were first created by Michael Rios and Graciela Carillo in the 1970’s. Mission Neighborhood contacted Michael Rios and he was more than glad to take part in bringing back the vibrant colors his mural once had. Michael Rios was “excited to work alongside Susan Cervantes to restore what were once vibrant murals”. “It feels like the old times when there were so many artists and we collaborated to make the murals that are part of the Mission District’s legacy”.
Graciela Carillo, the artist of the second mural, could not be found, Susan Cervantes was more than willing to honor her friend’s creation. “We worked closely in the 1960’s and 70’s. I am happy to restore her mural and honor the concept she had when she created the mural” said Susan.
Brenda Storey, the Executive Director of MNHC said “We tried restoring he murals for a while but failed to receive any funding, we are elated to have murals restored back to their original charm”
If you would like to see the restored murals come by 240 Shotwell Street, San Francisco CA, 94110.
About Mission Neighborhood Health Center Since 1967, Mission Neighborhood Health Center has provided culturally competent, comprehensive quality care to the underserved Latino immigrant communities in the eastern part of San Francisco (e.g. Mission, Bayview, Tenderloin and Excelsior area) and northern San Mateo County. In 2015 MNHC provided primary care to over 12,000 children, adolescents, families, and adults in the community.
”500 Years of Resistance Mural Restoration"
©2012 Precita Eyes Muralists
24’ x 90’,
Artist: Isaias Mata
Location: 24th and Florida Streets SF, Mission
©2012 Precita Eyes Muralists
24’ x 90’,
Artist: Isaias Mata
Location: 24th and Florida Streets SF, Mission
Description:
The repair, restoration and maintenance of the mural, “500 Years of Resistance”, is be led by the original internationally acclaimed Salvadoran artist Isaias Mata in collaboration with Precita Eyes and mural restorer Aureliano “Yano” Rivera. The 21 year old, 40x8 meter mural – the brainchild of the late Father Jack Isaacs -- is painted on the rectory of St. Peter’s Parish Rectory at the corner of 24th St. and Florida St. in San Francisco, California, and is an integral part of the “cultural corridor” that celebrates and preserves Latin culture, art and history. It is one of the most beloved and visited murals in San Francisco.
In 1992, the late Father Jack Isaacs conceived and commissioned the mural, “500 Years of Resistance” in collaboration with resident artist, Isaias Mata. At that time, Father Isaacs was pastor of St. Peters’ parish, one of the largest Spanish-speaking immigrant parishes in San Francisco, located in the heart of the Latin Mission district. Father Isaacs believed deeply in the power art and beauty to heal and to inspire. He especially sought to create a public reference point for young immigrant youth caught in cycles of poverty, anti-immigrant sentiment, and rising gang violence and for the broader community.
Father Isaacs and Isaias Mata aimed to depict the Conquest from the perspective of the indigenous and victims of empire, then and now. At the same time, the priest and the muralist sought to celebrate and honor the faith and resilience of the people and their descendents in the face of overwhelming violence. They viewed the mural as a powerful counterpoint to the negative cultural narratives dominating popular culture and as an offering that could spark the imagination and provide alternative reference points of identity and possibility, especially for youth.
In 1992, the late Father Jack Isaacs conceived and commissioned the mural, “500 Years of Resistance” in collaboration with resident artist, Isaias Mata. At that time, Father Isaacs was pastor of St. Peters’ parish, one of the largest Spanish-speaking immigrant parishes in San Francisco, located in the heart of the Latin Mission district. Father Isaacs believed deeply in the power art and beauty to heal and to inspire. He especially sought to create a public reference point for young immigrant youth caught in cycles of poverty, anti-immigrant sentiment, and rising gang violence and for the broader community.
Father Isaacs and Isaias Mata aimed to depict the Conquest from the perspective of the indigenous and victims of empire, then and now. At the same time, the priest and the muralist sought to celebrate and honor the faith and resilience of the people and their descendents in the face of overwhelming violence. They viewed the mural as a powerful counterpoint to the negative cultural narratives dominating popular culture and as an offering that could spark the imagination and provide alternative reference points of identity and possibility, especially for youth.
"Si Se Puede Mural Restoration"
2014 Precita Eyes Muralists
32’ x 150’
Artist: Directed and designed by Susan Cervantes in collaboration with Juana Alicia, Elba Rivera, Margo Bors and Gabriela Lujan.
Location: Cesar Chavez Elementary School, 825 Shotwell, SF CA
2014 Precita Eyes Muralists
32’ x 150’
Artist: Directed and designed by Susan Cervantes in collaboration with Juana Alicia, Elba Rivera, Margo Bors and Gabriela Lujan.
Location: Cesar Chavez Elementary School, 825 Shotwell, SF CA
Description:
Cesar Chavez Restoration Narrative: “Si Se Puede” is a monumental iconic mural on Cesar Chavez Elementary School in the Mission District painted in 1995. The mural suffered water damage on the upper strip where damaged plaster was removed and re-stuccoed. In 2014 Precita Eyes restored the mural with funding from the San Francisco School District and the Capitol Improvement Fund. This mural pays homage to the vision of the founder of the United Farm workers Union. As a labor leader, civil rights champion and educator in his own right, Cesar Chavez is a compelling role model for the children of all ethnic origins who are being taught to live so harmoniously in a school such as this one. His portrait is surrounded by roses, grapes, and other crops native to this continent. A brilliant sun radiates from behind his head in front of the giant geometric wings of the farm worker eagle, spanning much of the horizontal length of the mural. The bright rays of the sun symbolizing his enduring spirit intersect with the black wings creating patterns of light across its surface and spreading out over other parts if the mural. Framing the late great leader is an arched trellis with entwined grapevines and climbing roses. Chavez is holding the hand of the child, one of many that are marching forward toward their future. In the left corner is an elder farm worker picking grapes. The grape arbors weave between the school’s windows, representing the life, work, and struggle of the people who have created the agricultural richness of California. The red grapes symbolizing the blood of the workers and that water their tears. In the far right corner is a cornfield with a young native girl coming from behind it. She is near Dolores Huerta another strong leader of the United Farm workers Union and one of the most outstanding woman political leaders of this state and country. In her hand, she holds a pair of wire cutters, which she had used to open a cyclone fence, allowing more children access to freedom and education. Assisting Dolores Huerta a huge realistic eagle spreads its wings. One of these children is hand signing the farm worker’s eagle. Huerta is handing a scroll to a student written with the popular phrase, “Si Se Puede”. The scroll winds between the children into the center of the mural, into the hand of Cesar Chavez, where it reads with a quote from him, which says, “Help me take responsibility for my own life so I can be free at last.
"Vintage Historic Sign Restorations Mural"
©2010-2012 Precita Eyes Mural Center
Location: Tenderloin District, SF CA
©2010-2012 Precita Eyes Mural Center
Location: Tenderloin District, SF CA
Description:
Precita Eyes restored 7 historic mural advertisements in the Tenderloin. The vintage ads were cleaned, varnished, repainted and sealed with a protective coating. These advertisement murals were restored to preserve the unique and historic San Francisco icons as well as launch the Taylor Street Art District project. Funded: Tenderloin Neighborhood Housing Corporation, Community Challenge Grant, Uptown Tenderloin Museum
“Balmy Alley Restorations" Mural
Location: Balmy Alley, Mission District, SF CA
Location: Balmy Alley, Mission District, SF CA
Description:
Balmy Alley is located in the Calle 24 Latino Cultural Corridor in the Mission District in San Francisco, California. The block long alley is the best place to see the most concentrated collection of murals in San Francisco. The murals began in the mid-80's as an expression of artists' outrage over human rights and political abuses in Central America. Today the alley contains murals in a myriad of styles and subjects from human rights to local gentrification and Hurricane Katrina. Precita Eyes Muralists maintains and restores the murals in the Alley with help from volunteers and trained restoration staff.
"The Gift You Take is Equal to the Gift You Make
Restoration Mural"
©2009 Precita Eyes Muralists, restored in 2014
12.8’ x 18’ x 68’, acrylic on stucco
Mural Director: Catalina Gonzalez- Hill & Cory Calandra Devereaux
Contributing Artists: Marta Ayala
Location: Exterior wall, 191 Golden Gate Avenue (at Leavenworth Street) San Francisco, CA 94102
Restoration Mural"
©2009 Precita Eyes Muralists, restored in 2014
12.8’ x 18’ x 68’, acrylic on stucco
Mural Director: Catalina Gonzalez- Hill & Cory Calandra Devereaux
Contributing Artists: Marta Ayala
Location: Exterior wall, 191 Golden Gate Avenue (at Leavenworth Street) San Francisco, CA 94102
Description:
Funded by the City And County of San Francisco Community Challenge Grant Program & San Francisco Clean City Coalition. “The Gift You Take is Equal to the Gift You Make” celebrates the gifts that the community brings and receives in the Tenderloin (TL) neighborhood including diversity, varied backgrounds, and rich cultural heritages and experiences. The “SS” New Tenderloin breaches the turbulent ocean and arrives from distant lands, bringing the various people who make the neighborhood their home. As the children leave the ship, they join others, and grab the rope (a common TL practice) to traverse the streets. They head for “ National Family Night Out” a scene of fun, art and entertainment for all. As they cross the space, they approach neighborhood landmarks such as the Hibernia Bank, and the Cadillac Hotel with its portrait of community leaders, Kathy and Leroy Looper. At National Family Night Out in the TL, children’s art is everywhere, and its spirit carries over to the classroom. In the school room our heroes, the teachers encourage and guide children of all ethnicities. In the background, the roses signify the color and added life that will come by adding more gardens and greenery to the neighborhood. The Black Hawk Jazz Club is a tribute to the past and the musicians are a nod to the current efforts to revitalize the music and art in the neighborhood. The mural also honors the gifts that the community receives, and shows the residents, workers and activists breaking the chains of containment to demonstate for the needs of the neighborhood. In this Tenderloin, there are health services, affordable housing (such as Essex Hotel), work opportunities, a clean and safe environment, interactions among neighbors, services offered to all, and “Community not Containment”. All of these gifts become available as the sun shines in the TL.