Arts & Leadership Program

[1998]

With the Santa Lucia, Gabilan mountain ranges and Pinnacles National Monument as the backdrop, Soledad has a rich history rooted in the original Spanish Mission land grants of early California. Soledad's original agricultural base was in cattle, wheat and barley until the 1890's when an influx of Swiss and Swedish immigrants established dairy operations in the area. A historical timeline of cultural diversity is also depicted.

Supervising Muralist: Carlos Ramos

Asst. Muralist: Francisco Alonzo

Youth Muralists: Adriana Leyva, Aidee Chavez, Antonieta Rico, Hector Villagomez, Juan Arroyo, Juan Sanchez, Brenda Soltero, and Jose Zapata.

This project was part of the 1998 Monterey County Summer Youth Employment Training Progam funded by the United States Department of Labor supported by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors and the Monterey County Private Industry Council.

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[2000]

This pastoral scene illustrates the interdependence of a variety of plants and animals. A hummingbird gathers nectar from a flower, a coyote howls a welcome, and an eagle soars high in the skies.

Designer/Supervisor: Ralph D'Oliveira

Supervisor: Timothy Doyle

Assistant Muralist: Ruben Alvarez

Adult Muralist Trainees: Oscar Barba, Judith Banuelos, Luz Patricia Calderon, Linda Joyce Perkins, Maria Theresa Ramirez

This project was part of the 2000 Monterey County Summer Youth Employment Training Progam funded by the United States Department of Labor supported by Monterey County Board of Supervisors and the Monterey County Workforce Investment Board.

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[2001]

This mural features the magnificent three-toed warrior dragon, a revered ancient Chinese mythological creature. The dragon is shown in his various lifecycles from a nurtured egg, to infancy, to young adult, through full maturity.

Designer: Ralph D'Oliveira

Supervising Muralist: William Northcutt

Muralist: Carolyn Eyes

Assistant Muralist: Brenda Alcantar

Youth Muralists: German Cruz, Christopher Diaz, Edgar Leon, Tina M. Lovato, Judy P. Morales, Jose O. Morelos, Juan Morelos Jr., Moises Rico

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[2002 - "Leadership"]

The Soledad Leadership Mural consists of portraits of 13 important world leaders, past and present. The mural spans 9 feet by 74 feet, including a one-foot border all around. Leadership is also displayed in the heroism of our community depicted in this mural as firefighters, police, nurses, teachers, and children. There is a child holding a dove, symbolic of peace and freedom. The leaders in the mural include, from left to right, Mother Teresa, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Vincent van Gogh, Golda Meyer, Winston Churchill, Marie Curry[sic], John Glenn, Louis Pastore [sic], Nelson Mandella [sic], Gandhi, Princess Diana, Rigoberta Menchu, and Albert Einstein.

Muralist Staff: Dawn Wagner & David Sausedo

Youth Apprentices: Andrea Arena, Gerardo Ceja, Raul Chavez, Iliana Hernandez, Tina Loza, Sochil Moran & Maria Silva

Designers: Yanni Vasilakis, Paul Gardner & Mark Molchan

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[2002 - "The Valley That Feeds the Nation"]

"The Valley That Feeds the Nation" is a mural that depicts Soledad as a major contributor of agricultural products for America and the world. Advances in agriculture are reflected in the mural by a grower holding a lap-top, a tractor, and a futuristic machine. The image of the two children and the women holding strawberries illustrates the practical importance of a strong agricultural community. This mural also includes Soledad's national monument - the Pinnacles.

Muralist Staff: Eli De La Cruz & Steven Shepard

Youth Apprentices: Frankie Alvarez, Jazmin Arreola, Oscar Calderon, Maria Espinoza, Crystal Lopez & Ana Mandujano

Designers: Mark Molchan, Paul Gardner, Yanni Vasilakis

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[2003 - "The History of Winemaking"]

The wine making process has existed for many centuries. It was first recorded by the Egyptians and later perfected by the Greeks and Romans. A long-standing tradition in Europe, winemaking was established throughout California by the Spanish Missionaries. It has since evolved into an art form with a vibrant presence on the central coast. This mural depicts an opening in the wall, similar to an entrance from the old Soledad Mission, through which we can see a modern vineyard set against a beautiful sunset landscape with Santa Lucia Mountains in the background.

Muralist Staff: El De La Cruz

Youth Apprentices: Veronica Aguilar, Juan Ledesma & Ariana Muniz

Designer: Mark Molchan

Marker is on Front Street (State Highway 146) near East Street, on the right when traveling east.

Courtesy hmdb.org

Credits and Sources: