Temecula Art Mural Project
​The City of Temecula, Community Services Department, and the Temecula Valley Museum seek to support emerging artists by providing a space to showcase their craft. Each month or two, student artists will have the opportunity, facilitated by Bigfoot Graphics, to paint a mural on varying topics. For information on how to get involved, call 951-694-6450.
The November mural recognizes Native American Heritage Month. The mural, Our Knowledge is Power, was designed by Pechanga Artist, Gerardo Ceja Jr., who had this to say about the mural, “This project was a collaboration among my family to incorporate the Creation Story and how we obtained our knowledge and how the cultural knowledge has been passed to me through generations of ancestors. I came up with many concepts and drew several drafts. After thinking about how the students would be participating and painting, I decided on the four elements since they are the foundation of everything.” Gerardo continued by thanking others for their support, “I would like to thank Chámmakilawish Pechanga School, particularily Principal Masiel and Åžgl. Jackson for trusting me with this project, the students for bringing my vision to life and my family for always helping & supporting me through the process.
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The Chámmakilawish Pechanga School seeks to conserve the history and culture of Pechanga for Pechanga Tribal Members. In their own words, “The purpose of the Chámmakilawish Pechanga School has been clear since the school opened its doors, to teach tribal members culture and language without sacrificing other areas of education. This goal is implemented by the Pechanga people and the Tribal Government, with the vision and expertise to support quality education. To learn more about the Chámmakilawish Pechanga School, the Pechanga Cultural Center, and the history & culture of the native people of this area, please visit Pechanga-NSN.gov.
The September and October mural recognizes Día de los Muertos. This mural was painted by students of Bigfoot Art Classes, students of Diamond Valley Middle School, and was facilitated by Tony Moramarco of Bigfoot Art Classes. The mural, Día de los Muertos, was designed by Clarissa Lee, who had this to say about the mural, “Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday to honor and pay respects to family and friends who have died. Our students wanted to remember and pay homage to the Mexican pioneers of Temecula for this holiday. Among the portraits depicted in this mural are Pio Pico, Juan Bautista Alvarado, Felix Valdez, and Mariano Vallejo. A historic map of Temecula is displayed in the background, with pictures of the deceased resting in the foreground. Candles and flowers adorn the picture frames, similar to la ofrenda. Temecula has a rich history, and we are happy to remember those who are no longer with us.”
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Día de los Muertos acknowledges the symbiotic relationship between life and death. El día de Los Muertos is celebrated on November 1st and November 2nd, in which the spirits of the dead are believed to return home and spend time with their relatives on these two days. To welcome them, the family build altars in their honor. These altars have a series of different components that vary from one culture to another that mostly include yellow marigolds, candles, photos of the deceased ones, papel picado or cut tissue-paper designs, as well as food and beverages offerings for the dead.
The July and August mural recognizes World Honey Bee Day, focusing on the theme, A Day in the LIfe of Bees. This mural was painted by students of Bigfoot Art Classes. One student, Ilianna Villasenor, who designed this mural, had this to say about her mural: "My mural design showcases the process in which we get something that bees are most known for, delicious and sweet honey, and the useful work of pollination that bees do for our world … I would like to thank my team, Bigfoot, and the City of Temecula for this opportunity."
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The first World Honey Bee Day was held in 2009, and it has since grown in popularity. The holiday is intended to promote beekeeping, but it also exposes a lot about honey bees. Since the earliest civilizations, honey has been used as a sweetener for all sorts of food. Though the method of collecting honey was sometimes painful, the people still happily took the risk. The importance of honey was not limited to edibility alone. It has been used as a preservative and for treating certain ailments. The benefits of honey quickly sparked the desire for beekeeping since the Egyptian civilization.
The May and June mural is in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, focusing on the theme, Mental Health Matters. This mural was painted by Great Oak High School Juniors and Seniors. Students Fionna Hoffman and Mia Osborne had this to say about their mural: "This mural shows the fact that like a tree, your mental health needs to be nurtured and taken care of, but it can also grow and become strong like a large tree. The flowers, bark of the tree, and leaves of the tree symbolize how we all need to come together to truly grow as strong as we can and to create the best lives for each other and ourselves." This year, NAMI is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with the More Than Enough campaign! It’s an opportunity for all of us to come together and remember the inherent value we each hold — no matter our diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background or ability. We want every person out there to know that if all you did was wake up today, that’s more than enough. No matter what, you are inherently worthy of more than enough life, love and healing. Showing up, just as you are, for yourself and the people around you is more than enough.
The March and April mural is in celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month, focusing on the theme, Arab Cityscape. This mural was painted by Hayden “Chachi” Stacey (@fischer_art_co) and talented art students from BFG Elite Advanced Art Program, including Sullivan DeVries, Cambria DeVries, Joseph Lockhart, Nina Lin, and Madeline Secules. During the month of April, the Arab America Foundation formally recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans through the celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM). Across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate our community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society.
The January and February mural was made by Youth Connection Students and is in celebration of the Lunar New Year! Lunar New Year begins on the date (in East Asia) of the second new moon after the Winter solstice. In 2024, the second new moon will occur in China on Saturday, February 10, marking the start of a new lunar year. The museum will also celebrate Lunar New Year through facts and free crafts in the museums Art and Education Room. The mural is now displayed in Sam Hicks Monument Park.
The December mural, Welcome to Wonderland, brings holiday cheer with a fun and quirky illustration of Santa’s Village. This mural was created by father and daughter artists, Kai B. Parker and Chloe Parker. Support local artists and take pictures with the mural until the end of December! Big thanks to Bigfoot Art Classes for giving me the opportunity to create another piece of work for our community." The mural is now displayed in Sam Hicks Monument Park. The museum will also celebrate the holiday season through facts and free crafts in the museums Art and Education Room. All are welcome!
This mural was painted by the students of Chámmakilawish Pechanga School, designed by artist Gerry Ceja, led by Principal Andrew Maisel, and Popáahaylowi third-grade teacher Amalika Jackson. The title of this mural is Cham-míx Túu'qat, Chamténg'al-la: Our Plants - Our Medicine. Youth of all ages contributed to this piece to artistically represent plants as a resource to the ‘Atáaxum (people). Throughout the month of NOV 2023, the museum recognizes Native American Heritage Month with self-guided activities in the second-floor Art & Education Room. Temecula’s Art Mural Project seeks to support emerging and student artists by providing a space to showcase their craft. Artists can paint murals on varying topics, facilitated by Bigfoot Graphics. For more information, including how to become a participating artist, please call 951-694-6450.
This mural celebrates California Admission Day on September 9. The artist stated, "For my mural I wanted to incorporate multiple elements that I feel represent our state . Such as the bear on our flag , landmarks like our beaches and bridges , and the nickname golden state . As well as include the year we became part of the USA and the number ranking that. Big thanks to Bigfoot Art Classes for giving me the opportunity to create another piece of work for our community." The mural is now displayed in Sam Hicks Monument Park. The museum will also celebrate California Admission Day through facts and free crafts in the museums Art and Education Room. All are welcome!
In July, we gathered to thank art students from Temecula Preparatory School, Murrieta Valley High School, and James L. Day Middle School for their mural in celebration of Japan’s Marine Day. Instructor Clarissa Lee created the format for the mural, honoring Temecula’s Sister City Daisen – Nakayama, and Japan’s annual holiday Marine Day (Umi no Hi). Marine Day is a public holiday in Japan to give thanks for the ocean’s bounty and to consider the importance of the ocean to Japan as a maritime nation. Thanks to Mayor Pro Tem Stewart, Commissioners Dr. Hawkes, Kingsberg, Eventov, Richardson, and Chair Sizemore, Assistant City Manager Hawkins, City Clerk Johl, and the Community Services Department Staff for attending to express their appreciation to Ms. Lee and her 30+ students for their outstanding work. Thanks also to Tony Moramarco from Bigfoot Graphics for coordinating. All were impressed with the stunning mural, and with the artists depiction of important Japanese landmarks and ocean life.
March 2023 - For March and April, we acknowledge the movement that Cesar Chavez led for migrant farm workers. This beautiful mural was created by a group of students at Great Oak High School led by their teacher, Marco Magallanes. The public is invited to attend a mural unveiling on Wednesday, March 8 at 5 pm to recognize the artists of this project. Complimentary refreshments will be available.
January 2023 – This beautiful mural was created by 15 year old artist Mya Hill, a Mission Vista Academy and Bigfoot Graphics art student. Mya was asked to create a mural in honor of Frederick Douglass and in support of the Temecula Valley Museum’s American Black History Month in February. Mya stated “I’m so honored to have me and my talents selected for this project. Even with all the lovely help I received, completing it was a bit of a challenge. My favorite part of this mural is by far the bust of Frederick Douglass.”
December 2022 – This festive mural was created by members of the community during our Art Off The Walls event and Second Saturday event, as well as students of Bigfoot Graphics. This mural is dedicated to celebrating the Temecula Valley Museum’s annual event Christmas Around The World, where we celebrate the Christmas traditions and cultures of countries we have “visited” during our monthly Second Saturday Cultural Celebration events.
November 2022 – This beautiful mural was created by Chámmakilawish Pechanga School Students, lead by Principal Andrew Masiel Jr. and third grade teacher Amalika Jackson; the students’ vision was to present a collection of ideas and concepts that represent the Luiseño people, culture and life. The school consulted with Myra Masiel of Pechanga Cultural Resources and Vanessa Hogan of Tribal Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to plan the artwork, representing Native life in the valley, both past and present. Artist JR Ceja themed this month’s mural as “Grandpa’s Wisdom”. It is the mission of the Chámmakilawish Pechanga School to ensure that each child develops a foundation for success through the development of a healthy self-esteem by means of participating in a rich learning environment. The purpose of the Chámmakilawish Pechanga School since the school opened its doors, is to teach tribal members culture and language without sacrificing other areas of education.
September / October 2022 – This beautiful mural titled Fall Colors was created by students from Clarissa Creative Foundation, including Evan Tovar (17), Susan H. Nelson, Ava Schroeder (16) & Kayleen Castillo (14) from Chaparral High School; Allie Lindley (14) from Temecula Valley High School; Camille Gallup (12) from Dorothy McElhinney Middle School; Savriel Aquino (12) from Temecula Preparatory School; Mia Flores (13) & Kyla Alvarez (14) from Temecula Preparatory School’s National Art Honor Society; and Abby Lee (12) from Day Middle School. This mural depicts the fall colors of Temecula with hot air balloons floating through the crisp autumn air. The Autumnal Equinox, when the Sun is exactly above the Equator and day and night are of equal length; also, either of the two points in the sky where the ecliptic (the Sun’s annual pathway) and the celestial equator intersect. In the Northern Hemisphere the Autumnal Equinox falls about September 22 or 23, as the Sun crosses the celestial equator going south. According to the astronomical definition of the seasons, the autumnal equinox also marks the beginning of Autumn, which lasts until the Winter Solstice on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere.
May / June 2022 – This beautiful mural was created by the students of Springs Charter School, titled Wildlife of the Temecula Valley, done in the style of Keith Haring.
July / August 2022 – This beautiful mural titled America The Beautiful features work by Bigfoot Graphics Elite and Advanced Art Programs. The mural depicts stunning and vibrant natural scenes from all around the USA.
​March / April 2022 – This beautiful mural was created by 18 year artist Tommy Gonzales, graduate of Great Oak High School and current student of Oregon State University.
This mural celebrating Earth Day was inspired by the Pechanga Band of Luisano Indians. States artist Tommy Gonzales, “Pu’éska Mountain, which is represented in the mural, is sacred to the Luiseño people of Southern California. The mural seeks to not only represent the indigenous tribes of the area, but their love and perspective on nature. With a rich history and religion that is closely intertwined with Earth and all of her beauty, this mural works to honor the Luiseños and the place “where the rocks cry”. It is the perfect representation for Earth Day, here in the beautiful Temecula Valley.
​January/February 2022 – In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and American Black History Month, this stunning mural was created by 12 -year old artist AJ Pederson with contributors Kaia Bo and Landon Stingle. AJ states, “I want this mural to inspire people of all ages to pick up a pencil and start drawing.
This beautiful mural features Dr. King as he delivers his most famous and compelling speech calling for the end of racism at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom held in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, August, 28, 1963. The purpose of this march was to advocate for the civil and economic rights of African Americans.
December 2021 – The Mural featured artist Joenell Edsel Zenobious Luma’s vision of Christmas Throughout The World. Mr. Luma was asked to create a mural in celebration of the Temecula Valley Museum’s annual event, celebrating the Christmas traditions and cultures of countries we have “visited” during our monthly Second Saturday Cultural Celebration events.
This stunning mural, painted by Mr. Luma and his youth contributors Gerard J. Luma and Jon Evens Luma featured iconic structures throughout the globe, including our own Temecula Arches designed by the renowned Temecula Artist, the late Robert Morris.
November 2021 – This beautiful mural was created by Pechanga Chámmakilawish School Students, lead by Principal Andrew Maisel and third grade teacher Amalika Jackson; the students’ vision was to present a collection of ideas and concepts that represent the Luiseño people, culture, and life. The school consulted with Myra Maisel of Pechanga Cultural Resources and Vanessa Hogan of Tribal Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to plan the artwork, representing Native life in the valley, both past and present.
Artist Junior Villalobos sketched out the mural, featuring The Great Oak Tree, an eagle, native plants, the Pechanga Casino, an automobile, and featuring youth participating in traditional games and living in traditional Kíicha (homes). The mural was a true group effort, with every child (ages 3 to 10) adding to the artwork. The artists came from the Mommy & Me group, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten to Fifth Grade students, all adding bits of color and artistry to proudly represent their people, the Payómkawichum, which means the People of the West in the Pechanga language.
​October 2021 – In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month which is observed annually from September 15th to October 15th, this mural has a Hispanic Heritage Month theme. Created by Palomar College student Cheyenne Hernandez, her goal was to include shapes of all the Hispanic Nations around the world, choosing very bright colors to represent the tremendous culture, heritage and passion that is alive within Hispanic people.
​September 2021 – In celebration of Citizenship Day on September 17, 2021, this mural has a Temecula Citizenship theme. Created by art student Isabel Ivy Wallace, a recent graduate of Springs Charter School, her goal was to capture the essence of the citizens of Temecula, crediting her friends for encouraging her and her parents for being the inspiration for the faces.
August 2021 – In celebration of the National Women’s Equality Day on August 26, 2021, this mural has a Women’s Equality theme. Created by Bigfoot Graphics art instructor Katinka Clementsmith and art students Margaret Ozolins, Sarah Ozolins, Aja Pederson (11), and Reese Lockerman (11), their goal was to inspire young girls to follow their dreams, and encourage other role models to be their inspiration. They painted a variety of girls dreaming of reaching goals that are either not yet afforded to women, or that are uncommon for women today. Said the team “We hope to inspire a new generation of girls to continue changing our world in a direction of equality for all.”
July 2021- In celebration of the founding of our Country, this mural has a Fourth of July theme. The mural was created by retired Temecula Valley Unified School District Art and History Teacher Bonnie Martland, and two of her grandchildren, Anneke and Jack Martland, ages six and nine. Anneke and Jack have taken on-line art classes with Tony Moramarco of Big Foot Graphics Studio. Tony is a former art student of their grandmother, Bonnie, so, the art lessons have come full circle and creativity is being paid forward through to the next generation!
Bonnie and her husband are former Army Officers. As a Veteran and a history major, it is not surprising that her favorite holiday is Fourth of July. Not to mention, that her first date with her husband of over 53 years was on July 4, 1967 to view the Independence Day fireworks at Fort Benjamin Harrison, where they were both temporarily stationed. When asked to design a mural for July, how could she not celebrate Independence Day! The meaning of some of the words on the mural were new to the children. So, a little lesson developed about the word “Liberty” and why it is important that we celebrate the Fourth of July. Bonnie hopes that when the mural is viewed, the design will engender a feeling of patriotism and thankfulness, and that other families might also contemplate the word “Liberty” and be grateful for the many freedoms we enjoy.
June 2021 – Temecula high school students, facilitated by Great Oak High School’s Black Student Union Media Director, Phylicia Joseph, took their inspiration from Jane Hartman, Distinguished Fellow and resident Emerita at the Wilson Center, a non-partisan policy forum for tackling global issues, and 44th President Barack Obama. Said Ms. Hartman, “True justice and equality continue to be a distant dream for too many in this country, and we must not allow the important progress we have made to blind us from the struggles that still persist”. On a previous observance of Juneteenth, President Obama declared “the slaves of Galveston knew their freedom was only a first step, just as the bloodied foot soldiers who crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge 100 years later knew they had to keep marching.”
These sentiments inspired the students to create a mural commemorating Juneteenth celebrating the progress that has been made while still respecting the struggles that persist, by showcasing the talents of African American students and residents in our community and their part in the “important progress” towards equality and representation. Social Media: @officialgohsbsu @phyliciamjoseph @riveraimagery
May 2021 – In honor of Japan’s “Children’s Day” celebration, former Great Oak High School student artist Ly Bucci and UC Irvine student Amanda Le created this mural. States artist Ly Bucci “Since this was in tribute to Temecula’s Sister City Daisen, Amanda and I wanted to incorporate some known things in Japanese culture, along with memories of their festive events held in Old Town Temecula, such as the Children’s Day Festival, complete with Koinobori carp streamers and the origami. I’ve always admired the cherry blossom trees and I’m always fascinated with their dragons so I wanted to add that”.
Artist Amanda Le added, I wanted to show the connection between the two sister cities, Temecula and Daisen by placing the Torii gate in the middle of the mural, and including the mountains to represent Mount Daisen on the side. We added lots of color and balloons to bring out a feeling of joy and happiness with hope that we inspire that connection in every corner of this mural”. Instagram for Ms. Bucci is @ TenguHarley Instagram for Ms. Le is @amanngle.
April 2021 – This month, in celebration of the nearing of the end of our COVID-19 Pandemic, Bigfoot Graphics student artist Sabina Rose Flores created this mural celebrating the end of the 1918 Pandemic. “I wanted this mural to convey the severity of the pandemic of 1918. I designed the mural with the intent of showing the process and stages of going through a pandemic which is why it is divided into three main sections. A graveyard symbolizing death and lives lost, medical staff taking the sick to the hospitals for care, And lastly empty hospital beds symbolizing recovery and that the pandemic had come to an end. It’s odd to create something that is about an event that occurred a hundred years ago when the world is currently facing a similar situation. I’d like to think my mural conveys hope and acts as a testament that all pandemics will eventually end”. Social Media: @anonymous.__.weirdoInstagram
March 2021 – Student Artist Charlie Lively created this mural in celebration of Women’s History Month. Said Ms. Lively, “For my mural I was inspired by impactful women throughout history. I decided to go with a black and white portrait theme with a bright and vibrant background to help the women stand out. There is also a quote by each woman relating to one of their accomplishments or actions through their life”. Women featured on the mural include Scientist Madam Marie Curie, Civic Rights Activist Rosa Parks, Sports Legend Billie Jean King, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Student Rights Leader Malala Yousafzai.
February 2021 – This inaugural mural was conceived by student Phylicia Joseph, President of the Black Student Union at Great Oak High School, and painted by students at Great Oak High School, Temecula Valley High School, Chaparral High School and AFJROTC; including Chelsea Ross, Chase Ruffing, Mekhi Herd, Makhel Herd, Avery Shartzer, DeAnna Davis, Kayla Tran, Guylan Belser, Paul Yun, and Phylicia Joseph. Depicted on the mural include WWII Hero Waverly Bernard Woodson, Jr., Poet Amanda Gordon, Actress Cicely Tyson and Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King.