Fall is here and with it comes another exciting new mural by the talented artists of CRP, Desi Mundo and Pancho Peskador. The two recently began work on painting the union hall of Local 20, the Engineers and Scientists of California (IFPTE, AFL-CIO & CLC), located at the intersection of 8th and Clay Sts. in Old Oakland.
The mural is a partnership between CRP, Local 20, and Youth Spirit Artworks, an interfaith “green” art jobs and job training program which works with homeless and low-income youth between the ages of 16 and 25. Spanning two top-to-bottom exterior walls on the Local 20 building, once completed, the mural will depict union workers at work in some of the fields encompassing Local 20, as well as imagery associated with engineering and science: an eye test chart reading “IFPTE Local Twenty,” an optometry phoropter, powerlines supported by metal towers, a surveyor, medical professionals doing lab work with microscopes, and an EPA worker testing environmental pollution levels in a hazmat suit.
CRP founder and ED Mundo said, “We are always excited to paint large-scale murals, even though they are very challenging both logistically and artistically to pull off. We’re also happy to partner with Local 20, who do important work in the critical fields of science and engineering which is often overlooked or taken for granted, and Youth Spirit Artworks, whose programs not only further workforce development for at-risk youth, but also promote public art through its Community Art Program. We couldn’t agree more with YSA’s motto, ‘Art Saves Lives.’”
Sally Hindman, YSA’s ED, added, “The innovative collaboration of Youth Spirit Artworks and Community Rejuvenation Project brings together five local young people, involved in YSA’s arts-based East Bay job readiness training program, with two of the Bay Areas most renowned & prolific muralists. We feel this combination of talent and strength, with its roots in the local community perfectly embodies the mission and values of ESC!”
The mural creation process is expected to last throughout the month of November. A community painting day has been scheduled for November 22, 11 am -2pm, 810 Clay St, Oakland CA, 94607. Volunteers are encouraged; for more information, contact CRP at crpbayarea@gmail (dot) com or Youth Spirit Artworks at admin@youthspiritartworks (dot) org.