Public Art in Downtown Perris- Celeste Basabe

 Phase 1: Site Selection 

The neighborhood I chose was Downtown Perris. Despite not living in this exact neighborhood, I really admire the art and graffiti, specifically the wall art, as well as art on the utility boxes that I see every time I get off the train. 

Phase 2: Field Work

 

 Location: In between D street and 4th street (Perris Downtown)

Artists: Juan Solis, assisted by Marcos A. Manzo, as well as several artists due to the project being a community-driven project where citizens had the opportunity to partake in the project.

Theme/Who is Represented: The mural represents all citizens in Perris and the history behind the town, as well as the different cultures. There are many important individuals displayed at the top of the mural. For example, Fred T. Perris, who is part of the art, was a railroad engineer who created tracks in Perris back when Perris was known under a different name, which was the "Town of Pinacate". This specific mural happens to be right next to the Downtown Perris Metrolink train station, which wouldn't be there without Fred T. Perris' ideas. Students are also a huge factor in the area,t which is recognized especiallPerris High School (the local high school) as well as UC Riverside (the nearest University).

Materials: It appears to simply be acrylic paint that was used for this project, as well as the exterior wall, which served as a canvas.

Created: 2011

Sponsors: City of Perris Government/City Council

Inscriptions: "We are Perris, California"

Community Reactions: When the mural was first displayed, it received a large amount of positive reactions. My family personally was very excited about it and when it first got revealed, they really enjoyed it.

Location: West 4th street and D street

Artist: Joseph Walsh, who is an artist as well as a resident of Montclair and Pomona

Theme: The theme represents strength and resilience that is demonstrated by the "Jaguar Warrior."

Representation/Exclusion: This artwork shows Indigenous and Mesoamerican culture by showing strength and cultural symbolism, but it does exclude other cultural groups. 

Created: 2025

Materials: Unknown, possibly vinyl

Sponsors: The City of Perris, with the Utility Box Program, which is a program where individuals can submit an application to have their art on one of the boxes. 

Inscription: There are no inscriptions written, and instead, the meaning is communicated through the visual art.

Community Reaction: The reactions appeared to be positive. As I was photographing this exact art box, I actually had an instance where a homeless lady sitting down told me that it was her favorite art box in the city. 

Location: East 4th Street and South 4th Street in Perris, Downtown Artist: Humberto Flores Theme: The theme is identity as well as unity in Perris. The art includes the Ollin, which is a symbol from Aztec culture that represents movement and growth. Representation/Exclusion: The artwork represents the Latino/Chicano community, which makes up a very large portion of Perris's population. It specifically focuses on Indigenous Mesoamerican symbolism, which shows cultural pride. It also excludes other cultural groups and identities. Created: 2025 Material: Unknown, possibly vinyl, since it's highly resistant to weather and vandalism Sponsors: The City of Perris, with the Utility box program Inscription: The art includes the text of "Perris Unidos," which translates to Perris United. Community Reaction: Unknown                                                                                                                                                                          Phase 3: Critical Analysis In Perris Downtown, the public artworks mainly represent Latino/Chicano as well as indigenous communities, showing the pride in the community and it's culture. From the beautiful indigenous jaguar art to the "Perris Unidos", to the main "We are Perris" mural, they all demonstrate a strong community that is demonstrated through art. The art, especially the "We are Perris, California" mural, focuses on the city's important history, such as the railroad history, which was tied to Fred T. Perris as well as the

concepts of unity/cultural idnetity which are two main things that keep a community strong. The majority of the art is paid for and gets approved by the City of Perris through specific art programs such as the Utility Box program, so artists can have the opportunity to show their skills in a city, as stated earlier.   . Phase 4: Proposal I chose this site because it is the nearest to my neighborhood that contains art. It is also right next to the train station that I use to commute to school. I always enjoy passing by and exploring all of the different forms of art that is around, especially on the utility boxes, because they were made by local Latino/Chicano artists. In this community, I have seen that I really enjoy all of the colorful art, which gives that area of the city life, which I highly enjoy. I dislike about the community that the mural that I provided above is the only wall art nearby. I believe that in the train station itself, there should be more art murals, especially train art. I also believe there should be more statues in the city, especially one in the train station that gives recognition to Fred T. Perris. He is very important to the train station and the city's history. His history as a railroad engineer and laying the first tracks in Perris would give citizens and those traveling an idea of why Perris is called that, as well as why the Metrolink in that exact location exists. I also believe that the local art should contain art that gives recognition to local vendors, immigrants, and other cultural groups that make up the community. This would show what Perris really means and how it wouldn't be the same with all of those groups.

 

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