'History and spirit' depicted in new San Luis, Ariz. mural

San Luis, Ariz., - By signing her name in red paint, Adry del Rocio Garcia finalized the cultural center's first piece of public art - a mural depicting this border city's history and spirit.

The mural "The History and Spirit of San Luis, Arizona," painted by Garcia, was unveiled Wednesday at the César E. Chávez Cultural Center and will remain permanently there for future generations.

Garcia was selected from 13 local, national and global candidates who responded to a call by the city to create the project.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Garcia received over $31,000 to create the mural made up of 45 panels painted using acrylic paints.

The mural depicts the lives of the people of San Luis with images of their past and their future while showing the blending of cultures and people's occupations.

Originally from Guadalajara in the Mexican state of Jalisco, Garcia said the time she spent living in San Luis inspired her to create the mural.

Garcia said the project makes her remember "the good things the city has given me. I had very good experiences when I was living here."

Garcia, who again resides in Guadalajara, spent her summer break painting for 14 hours a day. When she returned to school, she continued during the evenings and weekends, she said.

The mural, approximately 60 feet long and 19 1/2 feet high, became a project that required sacrifice and was at times exhausting but was still filled with excitement, Garcia said.

"The first time I saw it, it blew my mind. It's beautiful and now looking at it ... It gives you the history of San Luis, the spirit of San Luis and it's just beautiful to see. There's a story to it I mean this is breathtaking," said Juan Carlos Escamilla, mayor of San Luis.

He added that the artwork marks the beginning of a push for more public art in the community.

"I hope this will stay for many generations. That inspiration that they (the people of San Luis) gave me, I hope that I have transmitted it back to them," Garcia said.

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Juana M. Gyek can be reached at jgyek@yumasun.com or 539-6872.