SALINAS VALLEY — Arts Council for Monterey County and the Monterey County Board of Supervisors unveiled a new mural last week at the Monterey County Government Center in Salinas.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Sept. 27 for the new public artwork, located in the east stairwell of the county Administration Building at 168 W. Alisal St.
Local muralist Jose Ortiz, executive director of Hijos Del Sol Arts Productions, and his team of artists created the mural, named “Destination, Salinas,” which now graces the building’s wall.
Utilizing the width and height of the environment, they made use of natural light and lush colors to showcase the beauty of the Salinas Valley, which “has been a destination of hope and prosperity for so many people over the decades,” said Maia Carroll, the county’s communications coordinator, in a news release.
The project was funded by the Arts Council, in partnership with the County of Monterey.
According to Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez, the concept of this mural and future murals in the stairways was a collaboration between himself and County Administrative Officer Charles McKee. But the “real work,” Lopez said, was that of the Arts Council and Ortiz and his team.
“They did a beautiful job of capturing the struggle, the hopes, and the dreams that happen on the land that is a tapestry of beautiful crops,” he added on social media after the unveiling. “This project helps make our public spaces more inviting, and welcoming to those we serve. I look forward to the continued collaboration.”
Joining Ortiz at last Tuesday’s ribbon cutting were fellow mural artists Jose Nolasco and Juan Carlos Padilla, team members of Hijos Del Sol Arts Productions.
Other ceremony participants included Supervisors Mary Adams, Luis Alejo, John Phillips and Wendy Root Askew, in addition to Lopez; and Arts Council for Monterey County Executive Director Jacquie Atchison and Board Members Laurie Bend, Susie Brusa, Eric Mora, Natalie Rava and Rosemary Soto.
To view the mural, stop by the Monterey County Government Center in Salinas during regular business hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
