“Beginnings” by Terri Pasquini tells the Story of the Creation of Man according to Yokut tradition. It is springtime and the family sits around the campfire as an elder tells the story of the animals coming together to create man. Each animal contributed a part. It is because of the clever lizard that we have hands with five digits instead of paws! Also, if you look closely, you will see the spirit face in all of nature surrounding us.
“Our Family City” is a colorful cartoon-style mural designed by Master Muralist, Art Mortimer. It was painted by our community artists in a weekend. The mural images portray Manteca pride. The large banner background reflects the “Flags Over Manteca” program, as well as our expansive Memorial Day program. The inset drawings show the importance of family, of farming, of diversity, of safe play, of sports, and of community. It is an 11’ x 76’ mural located on the north-facing wall of 259 N Main St. It was dedicated October 3, 2010.
“Manteca Snow” shows children playing in an almond orchard in early spring. The feel of a winter snow is created as the white almond blossoms with their delicate pink centers appear in the local orchards. This feeling of snow is enhanced as the cool spring breezes blow the white flower petals into soft drifts. You can almost smell the fragrance of the blossoms and hear the buzzing of the bees as you look at this mural by DS Gordon & EE Yates. This 20’ by 36’ mural was painted by 45 community volunteers under the supervision of DS Gordon & EE Yates on a north-facing wall in the 100 block of Manteca Avenue across from Library Park.
“Cruising Manteca” is a truly people pleasing mural that was designed by D.S. Gordon with the participation and input of many of the original Manteca Cruisers. It has been truly entertaining to hear the stories and see the many snapshots from the forties up through the early seventies. The street scene comes to life with the cars and the people that were Manteca. You can feel the excitement of the young people as they enjoy the interaction of other teens after school, homework, and chores were all completed. Cruising was an important part of the local entertainment. With a tank full of gas and a few friends in the car, you were set for the evening. Dave Gordon painted this mural with help from his friends, Ella Yates (who painted many of the faces) and Pete Evaristo, as well as his son Ben Gordon. It isn’t hard to see that people love this mural and the good times it represents. Our dedication for the “Manteca Cruise” included a car show and a cruise of downtown. This huge 14’ by 138’ mural was painted on the north-facing wall of 136 N. Main Street. Come see it at night when the lights lead you down the streets to the past.
As part of the 2007 Biannual Public Art and Mural Symposium held in Manteca, we had an invitational mural competition. Eight North American artists were asked to paint 5ft X 8ft murals that depicted the bounty of the Central Valley. These eight murals are now hanging in the Manteca Senior Center at 295 Cherry Lane. Colleen Goodwin-Chronister of Salem, Oregon submitted, “Veggies, Fruits and Nuts, Oh My!” showing a brick wall with produce popping out in 3-dimensions to chase the children. The bright colors and expressive faces bring a smile to your face as you enter the Manteca Senior Center.
As part of the 2007 Biannual Public Art and Mural Symposium held in Manteca, we had an invitational mural competition. Eight North American artists were asked to paint 5ft X 8ft murals that depicted the bounty of the Central Valley. These eight murals are now hanging in the Manteca Senior Center at 295 Cherry Lane. Roger Cook of Sandy River, Oregon submitted “Valley Abundance.” He pictures a compressed valley with a quilt pattern of green fields and a table filled with all that is grown, inviting you to sit and enjoy.
As part of the 2007 Biannual Public Art and Mural Symposium held in Manteca, we had an invitational mural competition. Eight North American artists were asked to paint 5ft X 8ft murals that depicted the bounty of the Central Valley. These eight murals are now hanging in the Manteca Senior Center at 295 Cherry Lane. First place went to Jessie Marinas of Manteca for his mural, “The Harvest Continues.” It is an exceptionally detailed mural that shows the harvesting of grapes for the crush. He met with local grower, John Leandro at his property to research and design his mural. Although Jessie’s dog was not in the original design, Promise insisted on being included. Promise would sit faithfully by Jessie’s side as he painted through the night and it just seemed right that his vigil should be memorialized in the mural. Jessie uses a unique technique to finish his painting, he paints the detail lines using a nail dipped in paint. If you look at Promise you can see the individual paint lines that make up his fur. Jessie Marinas was born and educated in the Philippines. He came to Manteca in 2000 after a disability retirement from his job as an engineer for Kvberner in San Ramon due to spinal deterioration.
As part of the 2007 Biannual Public Art and Mural Symposium held in Manteca, we had an invitational mural competition. Eight North American artists were asked to paint 5ft X 8ft murals that depicted the bounty of the Central Valley. These eight murals are now hanging in the Manteca Senior Center at 295 Cherry Lane. Second place went to Colleen Mitchell-Veyna of Tulare, California for her pastoral mural, “Rich with the Spoils of Nature.” A farmer stands and surveys his farm with his dog by his side. You can see the detail of the weave on his hat in the shadows thrown on his face. It is a lovely image that evokes not only the vision but the smells and sounds of the farm as well. Dairy is an important part of the agriculture in our area and this mural is definitely a local favorite.
As part of the 2007 Biannual Public Art and Mural Symposium held in Manteca, we had an invitational mural competition. Eight North American artists were asked to paint 5ft X 8ft murals that depicted the bounty of the Central Valley. These eight murals are now hanging in the Manteca Senior Center at 295 Cherry Lane. Third place winner was Ella Yates. She is truly a child of the world, although she lists her address as Colorado, she can be found painting on any continent! “Peaches” is a wonderful mural showing a bird’s eye view of a family picking peaches in their own yard. It shows the bounty of our valley on a “homey” level instead of a commercial endeavor. Ella does an exceptional job of painting people and refers to herself as “a people person.”
“Our Bountiful Valley” is a mural-in-a-day designed and directed by Master Muralist, Art Mortimer. This vivid design traces the history of the fruits of our valley. From the Yokuts Indian hunter-gatherers to the Hudson Bay fur trappers, from the original dry farmers with their winter crops up to today’s irrigated farming which produces a huge variety of field crops as well as orchard crops, making our big valley one of the most productive areas in the United States. Art Mortimer has done a masterful job in bringing all of this information together for us to contemplate and enjoy. This 16’ by 30’ mural was painted in one day on the north-facing wall of 110 N Sycamore by community volunteers under Art’s direction. It was dedicated on October 21, 2007 as the culmination of the 2007 Biannual Public Art and Mural Symposium held in Manteca.
