Photography by Lan Nguyen and Ian Lundie
Alfonso Salazar
“We Are Muwekmo Ohlone”
Mural Location: Guadalupe River Trail @ San Fernando Street, San Jose
“The mural I put together recognizes the Muwekma Ohlone tribe, the indigenous people who once lived along the Guadalupe River that flows through Downtown San Jose. My initial draft was inspired by one of their creation stories that the tribe would share over many lifetimes featuring the coyote, the eagle, and the hummingbird. After completing my design, I wanted to get input from the Ohlone community first hand because I was basically relying on what I was reading about them online. Juan Carlos Araujo of POW! WOW! San Jose introduced me to members of the Muwekma tribe to provide input to complete my concept. Based on their suggestions, I have included Ohlone Elders in the clouds and people who have passed down their language and traditions to keep their culture alive. One of the members suggested to include the line WE ARE STILL HERE. I met up with Charlene Nijmeh, the tribe’s current chairperson who agreed to be the face of the art’s centerpiece. She represents the present day Ohlone people.
While doing my research on the tribe I discovered that my childhood friend’s family had ties to the Ohlone people and supported them over the years. Because this family took me in as one of their own, creating this art became an important family matter to me as well. There is so much more to learn about the Muwekma Ohlone, their history, and their current struggles. I hope that the mural will have people wanting to learn more about their history and how our history has been affected by theirs.” (For full story, blog link HERE)
-Alfonso Salazar
IG @ alfsal
Photography by Lan Nguyen
Kristina Micotti
“Do You Know The Way To The Guadalupe River Park and Trail”
Mural Location: Guadalupe River Trail @ Santa Clara Street, San Jose
“Using fun and bright colors, the mural is a way to bring awareness not only to the native wildlife but to the actual trail itself. The playful characters are my way of inviting the public down to the trail and to encourage them to enjoy it for themselves.
This was my first mural(s)- a cool 2,2550 sq foot! I’m proud that it is for my San Jose community. This was such a huge accomplishment and I am thankful to have the @powwowsanjose team by my side.
The Guadalupe River Trail is one of the most beautiful places in SJ and just a gem (seriously go there and see all the different types of birds there are!) and I am so glad to have contributed to the Artist-in-Residence series within the Guadalupe River Park.
When I first started this project, I was only focused on bringing awareness to the Guadalupe River and its wildlife but after being on site, I would be remiss if I did not bring attention to the homeless residents along the river and the homelessness crisis in our city.
As a bay area/south bay native, I have seen the homeless population grow but I still was naive/ignored how bad the crisis actually is. I encourage you and see the mural and enjoy the trail and the natural beauty of the River but also see the dire need to provide the proper resources for our homeless community. We are failing our most vulnerable residents and we need to better.”
- Kristina Micotti
Photography by Lanny Nguyen
Kristina Micotti
“Do You Know The Way To The Guadalupe River Park and Trail”
Mural Location: Guadalupe River Trail @ Santa Clara Street, San Jose
“Using fun and bright colors, the mural is a way to bring awareness not only to the native wildlife but to the actual trail itself. The playful characters are my way of inviting the public down to the trail and to encourage them to enjoy it for themselves.
This was my first mural(s)- a cool 2,2550 sq foot! I’m proud that it is for my San Jose community. This was such a huge accomplishment and I am thankful to have the @powwowsanjose team by my side.
The Guadalupe River Trail is one of the most beautiful places in SJ and just a gem (seriously go there and see all the different types of birds there are!) and I am so glad to have contributed to the Artist-in-Residence series within the Guadalupe River Park.
When I first started this project, I was only focused on bringing awareness to the Guadalupe River and its wildlife but after being on site, I would be remiss if I did not bring attention to the homeless residents along the river and the homelessness crisis in our city.
As a bay area/south bay native, I have seen the homeless population grow but I still was naive/ignored how bad the crisis actually is. I encourage you and see the mural and enjoy the trail and the natural beauty of the River but also see the dire need to provide the proper resources for our homeless community. We are failing our most vulnerable residents and we need to better.”
- Kristina Micotti