Mural Unveiled to Representatives and Community

Photo by Sean Telles

By Sean Telles South El Monte, Ca – The San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps (SGVCC) unveiled a mural to be housed in its organic Earthworks Farm behind the Ramada Inn. The art piece was created through a combined effort of students, SGVCC participants and staff, and through the supervision, participation, and mentoring of Albert Valdez, Education Coordinator at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

“A few months back Andrew Quinones from the San Gabriel Conservation Corps contacted me too ask if I would like to assist the youth center in painting a mural for the community garden. I quickly said yes, remembering that

as a child growing up in LA, murals were my first exposure to the Arts and evidence that artists once ventured through my neighborhood…The Earthworks Community Farm is a prime example of how professionals can fuse both gardening and pain-

Close-up of a section of the mural unveiled on August 25th, 2012

ting techniques towards a skill beneficial to the youths of the surrounding community. As artists we have a responsibility to not only share with the community but to grow with the community.” Albert Valdez, Education Coordinator, Los Angeles County Museum of Art.Politicians, including State Senator Hernandez, Chair for the Senate Committee on Health, were on site to present certificates of appreciation and contributions.

The mural can be seen Saturdays between 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. while the farm is open to the public selling its locally grown, organic vegetables.