Temples of Transformation. Arriba Juntos (Upward Together). 1850 Mission Street. Their mission is to meet the basic service needs of the Latino immigrants moving into the Mission District. click photo to enlarge.
When President Obama pivoted from the destruction of Osama bin Laden to his El Paso speech on immigration reform, my attention was shifting to the Mission. The Mission churns with a multitude of cultures from Mexico and Central and South America as well as African and Asian countries. The neighborhood is laced with groups and organizations that help empower the new arrivals and those struggling with poverty and lack of education. Scores of gifted artists pour their passionate hearts into community art that speaks directly to the street and the aspirations of the people.
The project of transformation, integration and empowerment is fueled by the creative imagination of Mission artists, activists and service workers.
"500 Years of Resistance" I. Mata 1993 - 24th and Florida - San Francisco click image to enlarge.
Epic struggles of war, displacement, conquest, and periodic triumph are remembered and celebrated by intense and dedicated artists- working at street level.
Balmy Alley, off 24th Street is a vibrant street gallery that lives and breaths with the community. Artists of all ages and several nationalities have collaborated over the last 40+ years to energize this place with their dreams taking shape.
This strong, dazzling Phoenix appeared this spring at Florida at 24th St on "the crappiest building in the Mission" according to neighborhood folks. The building is home to weekly AA meetings and the symbolism of periodic rebirth is a powerful reminder of our inner strength. click image to enlarge.
The Women's Building- 3543 18th St. San Francisco. A masterpiece of collaborative art weaving the images of incarnate heroines with goddesses and powerful celestial beings. The building is home to a multitude of groups dedicated to supporting women and the family. click image to enlarge.
For more information on the murals of the Mission go to Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center.
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