Godinez Art Students Commemorate Santa Ana Turning 150 Years Old
Katrina Mena, a sophomore at Godinez Fundamental High School, working on her perspective drawings for the mural on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018.
October 7, 2018
“You never know when you are going to get another chance like this,” said sophomore Katrina Mena.
Santa Ana turns 150 years old this year and the Heritage Museum giving Godinez students the chance to paint a mural in its honor. Experienced muralists, will be teaching students, skills about art and learning about their town’s rich history.
In addition to painting a mural commemorating Santa Ana, the Heritage Museum is teaching students teamwork and how to apply their love for art.
Over the next couple of months, Godinez art students will learn how to draw buildings using their knowledge of perspective. They will be using many different tools and materials; charcoal, acrylic paint, measuring tapes, and a scaffold.
The Heritage Museum of Orange County wants this mural to help reflect some of the most influential, remarkable people, and landmarks that have impacted the “golden city.”
The lead coordinator, Kevin Cabrera, wants this mural to help students better understand the different types of cultures and people who live in their city.
“This mural has a lot of deep meaning and I’m hoping that when things start to slow down the students get a chance to do research on what they’re painting and understand fully all the stories and narratives of these people and places that make up their community,” mentioned Cabrera.
Many of the students are excited about the end result and are glad they have joined this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This program will help them express their artistic creativity and develop certain skills they haven’t learned before; such as painting on a big scale. Marielena Martinez, Godinez art student said, “I chose to be involved with the mural because art has always been something that I’ve been really interested in.”
The professional muralist, Abram Moya Jr., mentioned, “the biggest challenges along the way are painting on a bigger surface and trying to get the realism on the textured wall.”
Moya’s passion for art over the last 40 years has contributed in many murals and his personal artwork. He hopes to create a comfortable environment for the students and that they have fun doing what they love.
The mural will be revealed early December of 2018, at The Heritage Museum of Orange County.
Alondra • Nov 14, 2018 at 12:13 pm
I feel like what this throng of people are creating is important to show to everyone in Santa Ana and their avidness in doing this project. The mural could also cajole other students or people to show the culture here.
Jennifer • Nov 14, 2018 at 10:35 am
I think that it is eminent that these students contribute to their city by doing something that they are avid about. These adroit artists can do something they love while reflecting on the remarkable people of this city.
Eileen Guadalupe Barrera • Oct 9, 2018 at 12:03 pm
This project is the incipient of a cultural movement for people of Santa Ana. The students get to showcase their efforts and their perspective of the city. The mural will enhance the point of view of those who reside in Santa Ana. It will also give those who live outside of the city a glimpse of our life.
Cynthia Salazar • Oct 9, 2018 at 11:00 am
This is an incredible opportunity for us Godinez students who are interested in art and want to make a mark on our community. For some, speaking one’ s mind in front of a plethora of people can be nerve wrecking and so we remain reticent, but art allows us to express what we feel while getting the message across to a wide audience. I am very grateful to be part of this project and contribute to the creation of this historic mural.
marilyn • Oct 9, 2018 at 10:38 am
I feel like this mural goes way back to our roots and how Santa Ana came to be. What the plethora of students are doing is very meaningful to the city because 150 years old is a long time. It makes sense to have students of high schools to be making the mural rather than adults because the students could get a chance to really see the past of Santa Ana. I like seeing how steeped the students are in doing this mural. I’m excited to see what everyone working on this has done when the mural is repleted.
Jessica • Oct 9, 2018 at 10:35 am
I feel like this mural will be very eminent to our city and everyone all over Santa Ana will be able to come and see the mural witch will bring the community closer together.It is also good to see all these avid students that are using their free time to not only be doing something for our community but doing what make them happy.
Mariana Quezada • Oct 9, 2018 at 8:33 am
It is really amazing that a throng of students from Godinez were given the opportunity to use their adroit talents to beautify the mural in Santa Ana. It is interesting to see that something as simple as painting a mural is not so simple. Painters must keep in mind the surface where they are painting. It is remarkable how professional muralist Abram Moya wants the students to do what they love in the city they love.
Helen Seigel • Oct 9, 2018 at 5:34 am
This community minded mural, right in our own backyard, is going to be a landmark in Santa Ana. I’m thrilled that our students are having this amazing experience. It is evident every day that each of them is completely engaged in the project. They are learning so much and definitely having a wonderful time doing it along with some students from Valley HS. Kevin Cabrera from the Heritage Museum and the mentor artists have thoughtfully organized the process so that students develop a deep understanding of what it means to create a huge public artworkl. They are learning the skills and hard work it takes to create a mural. They are learning about the hard work and joy of being a working muralist and being part of a collaboration. I am very impressed with how everything is going and can’t wait to see the final result. The process will stay with them for the rest of their lives. I am very grateful that this is happening here!