A new mural entitled “Welcome to San Bernardino” by local artist Christian Mariscal was unveiled at a 10:00 am ceremony on Tuesday, July 9 at the Rudy C. Hernandez Community Center, located at 222 North Lugo Avenue. The mural was part of the San Bernardino Beautification and Cultural Infusion Project funded through a Creative Corps Inland SoCal grant, from the Inland Empire Community Foundation in partnership with the California Arts Council.
The inspiring mural was part of an ongoing effort to celebrate and enhance the cultural richness of San Bernardino through art. Each letter of the mural’s “San Bernardino” lettering featured vibrant depictions of the community.
“Public art plays a vital role in fostering community pride and engagement,” said San Bernardino Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Director Lydie Gutfeld. “This mural is a testament to that vision.”
The mural’s creator, local artist Christian Mariscal, was no stranger to public art projects. In recent years, Mariscal, a former graffiti artist, had created murals at parks and community centers across the City. He had also worked with the San Bernardino Public Works Department to creatively paint utility boxes and benches to successfully discourage graffiti at more than 50 locations throughout San Bernardino.
The project had been made possible by funding through a $100,000 Creative Corps Inland SoCal grant from the California Arts Council and the Inland Empire Community Foundation. The grant had provided $40,000 to commission artists to create public murals at community centers and parks, $40,000 for cultural demonstrations and artist workshops promoting cultural diversity, education, and community engagement, and $20,000 for supplies and equipment.
An additional mural funded through this grant had been currently planned at the Encanto Community Center.