“Water Brings Abundance” by Colleen Mitchel-Veyna shows a plentiful autumn harvest. This bountiful harvest was brought about by the foresight of the local farmers coming together to build dams and an irrigation system that supplied water for irrigation. The combination of rich soil, bright sunny days and irrigation water allowed the production of a wealth of agricultural products.
“Pioneer Spirit” by Jessie Marinas tells of the struggles of the pioneers in this area. Although the soil was rich, the farmers had only a short rainy season during the winter. Most of the families survived on “dry farming” and the raising of livestock. The cutting and selling of timber also allowed them to keep their families fed. This summertime image shows the tough lifestyle that sustained many of the communities in this area.
“Last At Bat” is a mural that commemorates the location that is today Library Park. During the depression, William R. Perry, Sr, with the help of his friend Benton Hooper made this land into a baseball diamond and for many years it was a local spot for entertainment and competition. The women’s team would play at 5pm and the men’s teams would follow at 7:30pm. This historical depiction shows a scene that would be typical for that time. The Women’s baseball team is finalizing their game as the men, who will play next, watch. All of the people in the stands were individually painted Ella Yates & Dave Gordon as part of a fundraiser for the Manteca Mural Society. Local people sent in photos & $25 to have their image, or that of a family member placed in the stands. In addition, there are images of local historical figures such as Milo Candini, a local boy that became a professional ballplayer & William R Perry, Sr mentioned above. This mural is 95’ x 7.5’ and was dedicated October 7, 2012.
“Early Industry” by Brian Romagnoli is a composite of the different industries that developed, mostly due to agricultural production, lumber and transportation. It is done in Art-Deco style, appropriate for the era and in the winter colors of our area.
“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.
