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The Californian
Steinbeck set to soar
Salinas' largest mural takes shape
Youthful artists put final touches on 48-by-16 foot work
By Glenn Cravens
The Californian
July 30, 2002 - Artists are putting the
finishing touches on Salinas' largest mural, a rendering of John Steinbeck
to be unveiled next month and fastened to the north facing wall of The
Californian.
Twelve teenagers and young adults from
Salinas have spent seven weeks painting the 48-by-16 foot mural, which
will be placed 22 feet above the ground and face West Alisal Street.
The mural project, part of the One Voice
Arts and Leadership Program, gave the artists a chance to learn about
painting and about Steinbeck.
"It's an eye opener and a door opener,"
said Salvador Valenzuela, 22.
Unlike most murals, where paint is applied
directly to a wall, Steinbeck's image is being painted on wooden boards
that will be nailed onto the newspaper building. It will be one of several
murals painted on buildings throughout Monterey County.
In the mural, Steinbeck is drawn against
a light orange-brown background, resting his arms on a set of books
he wrote. Alongside the books are a boxcar with two children sitting
it, a gray facsimile of Steinbeck's signature and other items that represent
the author.
A banner in the lower center of the mural
is a quote from Steinbeck: "Literature is as old as speech It grew
out of human need for it, and it as not changed except to become more
needed."The young artists were paid to paint the mural, but it
wasn't all about putting the brush to the board. The three supervisors
of the project talked to them about how they deal with life issues.
"It's inspiring to see it,"
said supervisor Yanni Vasilakis, "They're appreciating it and,
they all can be good artists."
Joseph Werner, executive director of the
county Workforce Investment Board, said he wants to infuse other projects
with the same enthusiasm as the One Voice Arts and Leadership Program.
"I would like to expand programs
such as the dance theater and sculpture programs to this level,"
said Werner, who helped coordinate the mural program.
To attend: A ceremony to unveil a mural honoring John Steinbeck's
100th birthday will take place Aug.19 at The Californian, 123 W. Alisal
St., Salinas.
For the pictures that goes with this
article click here.
Take
a LOOK at the mural this article is referring to.
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