I love how murals get you out there, which leads to new experiences, new spots, and new connections. Last week while finishing up a mural I organized with 25 highschool students in Watsonville at the annual Youth Empowerment Workshop, painting behind the cafeteria, I noticed trucks were pulling up and unloading a set for a play. I got to talk with one of the people involved- Alana/Boom, about the mural and a little about the theater production. Alana took shots of the mural and invited me to the play; Put on by West End Studio Theatre, it followed the young life of Thomás Rivera, first Chicano chancellor of a major US university and youngest ever at his time. Alana and her fellow actors chronicled Thomás’ early years struggling through English speaking American academia as a primary Spanish speaker, as well as the link to older generations struggling to survive. I suggest checking out their schedule and attending a play if you get a chance.
On top of that, Alana is half of Worn & Torn Vintage , a creative team focusing on vintage clothing, jewelry and community art. Amazing photography, styles for the ladies, just styles in general.. She did a post showing the mural we made as well as a write up. I was really inspired watching the play, in my mural-mind, here was a backdrop, but beyond that a simple set, bringing the art out into the actual environment, and beyond that the actors with costumes and song bringing a story to life. Somehow I’m left with the impression then that Worn & Torn Vintage is like costume for our living play, as we bring it back to the wall or whatever it is you do.
