San Gabriel Public Art - Karen Sigala

                      Public Art In San Gabriel

                                                         By: Karen Sigala

I chosen to do this area is because I have lived here in my whole live since I was born and I know many of the streets even many of the hidden shortcuts which believe it or not much of these artworks are a bit hidden as San Gabriel isn't really place I have seen that has much art from the places I normally travel around here so I notice most of the pieces are left ignored or abandoned. I never really noticed most of these works, which I noticed just a couple years ago and I actually got to see the creation and process for some works and even the removal of one. 

I saw not much was said online about some these works so I believe I can bring some more light to them and the ones that have been collecting dust in the background as I loved to look at each one as I pass by them.

Location #1:

Name: Together We Are Stronger. 

Artist: MariNaomi (Cartoonist)

Located: Asian Youth center 

Reason for Artwork: This artwork is actually connected to multiple other panels that are located in other cities like Rosemead, Alhambra, and etc. These were comic strips/illustrations were made to help elevate awareness of the social issue of hate and violence between the Pacific Islander and Asian American Community. This project was commissioned by the LA vs. Hate campaign and the L.A Health Care Plan. This work aims as well to educate many in the public to report hate incidents or violence which they have a number for. It also creates a message to help show many who support people who are actually impacted or have experienced these acts. The art as well depicts different languages like Chinese, Korean, and Tagalong. 

Location #2:

Name: No Name

Artist: Peter Markovwsky and 50 volunteers contributed who were from the Lifeway Church on MLK Day of Service in 2022

Located: La Casa de San Gabriel Community Center

Reason for Artwork: I't shows of a child and an adult holding hands. In huge words and in bold it says the word "Community"which is to give the meaning and message of support and connection in the community that we are take a share in. This mural is here to honor the community and give a sense of pride and what we do in this community which it shows well visually giving off a narrative with it. This big empty space that was once neglected and not looked at was turned into a vibrant and more engaging area is what they were going for but before when they have just finished it the trees haven't grown fully yet so now that they are they block most of the work and many ignore it. 

Location #3:

                  

                                             

Name: Bread of Life

Artist: Created by 18 sophomore students that were from Bosco Tech High school in 2018

Located: El Pavo Bakery

Reason for Artwork: The work is suppose to depict culture and a history as it features scenes of harvesting, baking, farming and most importantly community. The painting includes a diverse group of people which includes actually Mexicans, Native Americans, and Spaniards and an image of the San Gabriel Mission in the background. As well this work gives importance to the founder of the bakery as it is a tribute to his hard work of the bakery and what he has accomplished as the art features as well huge baking ovens and others in the images preparing bread. The founder's name was Don Pedro Vasquez

Location #4

      

Name: Gateway to San Gabriel

Artist: Art Mortimer

Located: Mission Road (Near the intersection of Chapel Avenue)

Reason for Artwork: This work even though it says Alhambra and technically is located in that city it is where u exit and enter San Gabriel. As well with what it is titled having San Gabriel in the name. Completed in 2011 this work was commissioned by the City of Alhambra. It shows a view of the San Gabriel Valley when in the early 20th century. It shows the San Gabriel Mission, train tracks ,fields and mountains. This was made to celebrate the area's history and identity. It goes specifically transportation that was used in that century like Pacific Electric Railway and Southern Pacific Railroad. They as well included the wall to be shaped like the archway for the painting which is an interesting element they add to make the work pop. 

                                                                      Honorable mention:

I could only find one image of the artwork but then I lost it and I wasn't't able to find it again.  There use to be an old mural up that was located in Cabinet City which was on the opposite side of the mural that was located at the Pavo bakery. It had an image of these 2 dogs one had glasses and the other didn't and it was vibrant as the background was made of blues and purples and the dogs were  shades of dark and light brown and black. I got to see when it was created and I always passed by it but it has been a while so when I need images for this project I thought this image would have been perfect but when I went they removed it and they added instead a 21 anniversary mural instead. I really loved the old one and I didn't expect them to remove it so soon.  I couldn't find any information on it except the artists but it was hard to find the info after the first time I did. 

                                                  Analysis

I love the work people have included in this community as these people care to show support for others in there own ways which I believe was a huge pattern in who was being represented as in San Gabriel it is very diverse group of people as we all have are own cultures but we are all one huge community appreciating and sharing about it of each culture from one another. The histories of the community as a whole and how San Gabriel has went through multiple changes til now. As it mainly as well as I noticed it targets San Gabriel Mission as it is a main landmark of this area which is shown through some the works as I said it shows a small hint of history. 

 

Proposal

I love the work that has been created over the years and what the significance they were going for with it. I do believe that San Gabriel does need more public art around and better placements as some of these works are a bit hidden on empty streets. I suggest that they add some on the main roads where many actually normally walk around like Smith Park which is where many go to hang out or play but when I look at it feels a bit dead and gloomy as times. I feel like right in front of the park there is blanks walls on the other side that I feel would be great to decorate as many pass by that area it would give an artist a lot of recognition. I believe artists should get the recognition they deserve as I have seen many works are hidden or many tend to ignore. I want artists to feel like they can include their art here as I feel many would appreciate the works if they are out in the open where it is a widely public and full access to the community. I as well think these murals or artworks should be diverse as San Gabriel is known for diversity and multiple cultures that are shared throughout. I am starting to notice more improvements and upgrades throughout San Gabriel at the moment as much of the building are going under construction as I noticed the building tend to look much more artistic in a way as they are more vibrant and new designs around. I hope to see more artworks around after the constuctions are done but I would have to wait and see.