LA artist selected to paint 30-foot mural on affordable housing development
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Local artist Stephanie Mercado has been commissioned to paint a 30-foot mural on a transit-focused affordable housing development in east Los Angeles, the developer said on Friday.
“It is an honor to be selected for this monumental opportunity to be part of the cultural and historical fabric of East Los Angeles. I am grateful and humbled to be able to co-create a mural with the East LA community that will inspire future generations of young people, artists, creators and residents of Third and Dangler, ”said Mercado. “This commission is a real milestone for me and for Latinx artists who understand the power of representation and cultural affirmation.”
The National Community Renaissance development at Third Street and Dangler Avenue will provide 78 affordable housing units on six vacant county-owned lots near the Metro L (Gold) line. It will offer a mix of studios, one and two bedroom units, as well as a community hall, public plaza, interior courtyard, on-site parking, laundry facilities and rooftop gardens.
The mural will feature images of flowers, household items, folklore and American pop culture to form narratives that represent growth and flourishing. It will be accompanied by landscaping and vibrant colors. The National Community Renaissance, also known as National CORE, hopes it will integrate development into the community.
“National CORE has enjoyed working with the Los Angeles arts community on Third and Dangler and congratulates Stephanie Mercado on her commission,” said Steve PonTell, President and CEO of National CORE. “We are honored to be able to visually engage the community and celebrate the diversity of this thriving neighborhood through art. “
The mural proposal was selected by a stakeholder panel from the arts community that included members of the LA County Department of Arts and Culture, Oversight District One, and residents and stakeholders of the non-area. East Los Angeles incorporated. Mercado was selected for its cultural connections, reflection of community values and inclusive outreach plans.
“As someone born and raised in Unincorporated East LA, and having started their professional artistic career painting murals under the direction of Paul Botello, it was important for me to be part of this process and help develop the through which we support artists in our communities, ”said Joel. Garcia, who is on the panel. “I also strongly believe in the advancement of mediums and the selection of Stephanie Mercado allows this project to advance the mural medium, but also to make this art form more accessible in various ways, whether physical or creative. but above all, how artists can be a channel and help impart knowledge among community members.
Mercado was born and raised in Boyle Heights. His work is part of a permanent collection at the Mexic-Arte Museum in Austin, Texas, the Archives of the Tamarind Institute of Lithography at the University of New Mexico, the Zuckerman Museum of Art, and the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. It has also been exhibited in Norway, Italy and Spain.
LA artist selected to paint 30-foot mural on affordable housing development was last modified: June 25, 2021 through
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