The vividly colored mural that is nearing completion on a north-facing wall adjacent to Tucson Water demonstrates how amazing aerosol art can be, versus the defacement of tagging and graffiti. Controlled and in the hands of students and a gifted teacher with experience, the end result is more than just aesthetically pleasing - it really transforms what was a bare concrete wall into another surprising and sure-to-become beloved public art piece.
The fact that over 50 young people were involved in the process only adds to its appeal.
The mural, created by the aerosol art class offered through Art in Reality (AIR) is a City of Tucson Parks and Recreation sponsored program, which keeps the classes free for students. Rocky Martinez is the aerosol art instructor who started with AIR in a volunteer capacity that morphed into being a teacher. His background and enthusiasm have made him the perfect guide for the kids. Tucson High students Josh and Gabriel Beita both find Martinez inspirational and credit him with giving them the "impulse to create art." So, instead of being a gateway to vandalism, the aerosol art project and mural become a steppingstone for the brothers to the joys of artistic creation.
Ruth Marblestone, AIR program coordinator, arranged for a multi-dimensional approach to the mural creation. In consultation with neighbors and community leaders, it was conceived as a historical representation of Ward 1. Therefore, it was important that the student collaborators become educated in what it was that they were going to show - the historic past, the present, even the future.
A nature hike to Ironwood Park introduced students to the natural resources of the area; other research included learning about the Chicano Art Movement by renowned muralist David Tineo, visiting Josie's House of Flowers for a look at how Chinese-American immigrants contributed to Tucson's culture, sampling the tortillas at El Grande Tortilla Factory and touring the Presidio del Agustin.
Exposure to the richness of Tucson's past, plus attendance at neighborhood association meetings to explain the project and to be in the position of defending and defining it, in a civilized fashion and with dignity, gave the students a sense of being part of a community and, not incidentally, changed the opinion of many of those who originally came to protest.
The formal unveiling takes place Tuesday, August 25 at 5:30pm in conjunction with Tucson's birthday month, starting at the Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave. Free food and drinks and special birthday treats will celebrate Tucson's unique art style. Speakers include Regina Romero, Rocky Martinez, Ruth Marblestone and others from the neighborhood, from Tucson Pima Arts Council, Tucson Museum of Art and some of the youthful artists.
The mural is located at the southeast corner of Paseo Redondo and Granada. Call Ward I office at 791-4040 for questions about the event.
For more information about AIR and its programs, contact Ruth Marblestone, 882-8012.
