On Tuesday May 1, 2012, local authorities will unveil the second mural created in a program that uses art to rehabilitate at-risk students.
The mural was painted by 11 boys and three girls from the El Paso Independent School District that are under supervision of the El Paso Juvenile Probation Department. The program is spearheaded by local muralist Jesus "Cimi" Alvarado, with the idea that nurturing artistic talents in delinquent children helps them change their destructive behavior.
"Art is a powerful motivator that helps teens rehabilitate from substance abuse problems and other negative habits by developing new skills and helping them feel proud of their work," Alvarado said.
The mural is located in the handball court at Ascárate Park, and depicts migrant workers, activist Cesar Chavez, and several Aztec symbols that represent the Hispanic heritage. The project was financed through a donation from the Adult Probation Department's "Graffiti Wipeout Program" and the supplies were furnished by the El Paso Independent School District.
The mural will be unveiled on Tuesday May 1, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. by El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal, 65th District Court Judge Yahara Lisa Gutierrez, El Paso Juvenile Probation Department Chief Roger Martinez, and EPISD Fine Arts Director Charles Angerstein.
The first mural created under the program also paid homage to immigrants, depicting farm workers, monarch butterflies (who migrate back and forth from Canada and Mexico every year), and Statue of Liberty along with Lady Justice. The mural was unveiled in June 2010 and remains at the offices of Las Americas Immigrant and Advocacy Center, 1500 E. Yandell Dr., in central El Paso.
For more information about the program, please call Assistant County Attorney Tracy C. Almanzan at 546-2050.
WHO: Representatives from participating agencies and students from EPISD.
WHAT: Mural Unveiling.
WHEN: Tuesday May 1, 2012 at 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Handball Courts at Ascárate Park, 6900 Delta Avenue.
# # #
2012 Mural Project Press Release.pdf