ALAS Board President Lili Rey; mural artist Rafael Blanco; state Sen. Josh Becker representative Gabriella Morales; Supervisor Ray Mueller representative Marisol Escalera; Beatrice Hernandez; ALAS founder Belinda Hernandez Arriaga; a Ballet Folklorico dancer; Felix; and Half Moon Bay City Manager Matthew Chidester cut the ribbon on the new mural.Ā
A crowd of farmworkers, city officials, residents and members of Half Moon Bayās immigrant community celebrated the completion of a vibrant mural unveiled Friday in downtown.
The eye-catching artwork features rich colors and images of a folklorico dancer, a farmworker with a barrel of Brussels sprouts, and an older Latina woman surrounded by blue and white hydrangeas. It stood out against the foggy gray sky that covered the coastal town during the unveiling.
It was painted by Rafael Blanco, a muralist whose public art can be seen throughout the country.
āIn all my years as an artist, only a handful of times have I felt that my work truly became part of a community,ā Blanco said in a statement. āHalf Moon Bay is one of those places.ā
It was painted on the building of Ayudando Latinos A SoƱar, a nonprofit that provides a range of services for the coast sideās immigrant and farmworker communities.
āThis breathtaking mural is more than a work of art,ā ALAS Board President Lilli Rey said. āIt is a place where our community can see itself reflected, feel a sense of belonging, and celebrate the beauty, resilience and diversity that make us stronger together.ā
Half Moon Bay is the heart of agriculture in San Mateo County and has a strong immigrant and Latino population.
Blanco and Oscar Guerra, the mural producer, received commendations from the offices of San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller and state Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park.
āThis project is about more than creating a beautiful mural,ā Guerra said. āIt is about honoring a community, preserving culture and creating a lasting landmark that reflects the values and stories of the coastside.ā
The evening concluded with music from the mariachi band Nuevo Generacion and traditional dancing from Ensambles Ballet Folklorico de San Francisco.
Belinda Hernandez Arriaga, the founder and CEO of ALAS, thanked Blanco for contributing his artistic talents to capture Half Moon Bayās immigrant community.
āHaving world-acclaimed muralist Rafael Blanco share his extraordinary gift of art with us has been a true blessing for ALAS,ā she said in a statement. āIt was inspiring to see all of us come together to celebrate the power of art and this beautiful mural, which showcases the strength, resilience and spirit of our community.ā
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