A Thousand Words:

A Display of Latina Muralists in Arizona

Syndney, Anji, Lizzie

Introduction

Lizzie Biek

Murals are a compelling form of art expression with broad applications. For this project, we are specifically focusing on how murals demonstrate Hispanic Female migration experiences. These murals can reflect their cultural integration, struggles, identity, and persistence relating to migration to the US, particularly in Phoenix, Arizona.

As we delve into this project, please note that our project lacks much information explicitly addressing the Latina immigrant experience. The majority of historical information available viewed all Hispanics as a single entity. The purpose of this project is partly to draw attention to this gap in knowledge and encourage more specific research on the Latina experience.

Murals have existed since the Paleolithic era and have evolved with time and human experience. This dynamic art form has the capacity to impart messages and meaning and, in doing so, can provide insight into the lives of its artists, including the women focused on here. The purpose of our project is to highlight these women’s art and experiences. We interviewed three Latina muralists, exploring their life stories and how they integrate personal and cultural narratives into their artwork. Through the perspectives of first, second, and third-generation migrants, we uncover unique, significant journeys that shape their artistic abilities. Many of these women are more than just artists; they are also moms, business owners, and entrepreneurs. These incredible stories shown through this art form can unite groups and create new communities.

History of Latinx in Arizona

Anji Gayton

Latino history goes back to Indigenous people long before Spain colonized the Americas in the late 1400s. When Spain arrived, Spanish culture mixed with indigenous and African influences, creating a Latino identity. Migration waves started with significant historical events. After the Mexican-American War, the U.S. took over large areas of land, forcing many Latinos to adapt to a new country without moving. They faced harassment and fear. Later, the Spanish-American War brought Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines under U.S. control, affecting more Latino communities. Programs and events also caused migration. The Bracero Program (1942-1964) brought Mexican workers to the U.S. to fill job openings. During the 1980s, many fled violence in Central America, creating another wave of migration. In the 1990s, NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) helped create jobs and improve trade, leading to more migration. These events show how Latinos and Latinas came to the U.S. for many reasons, often shaped by history, economics, and politics.

Murals and Their Impact: An Overview

Sydney Lenski

This website serves a purpose greater than promoting artists and their work. It allows our group to draw attention to the use of murals as a medium for didactic communication.

Historically, the Latino community in the United States has been disproportionately challenged. Discrimination within the healthcare system, job market, and daily life have impacted livelihoods and opportunities. Adversity often is difficult to communicate to others who are perhaps unaffected or plagued by disparate problems. However, art has the potential to relate the struggles of an individual or community to a broad audience. Its effectiveness is enhanced by its ability to transcend language barriers, allowing different cultures to understand each other on a fundamental level.

Murals have long been a mechanism for fostering mutual understanding. In the 1960s, for example, mural painters from the American Southwest utilized this art form to convey messages between the semi-illiterate population within the barrios and the wealthy elite of San Diego, California. Here, this art form was used as a means of communication and the foundation of understanding between people of vastly different cultures and economic backgrounds.

As a result of their capacity for imagery and accessibility, the form of murals has broadened its scope beyond mere art. These expressions serve as symbols of oppressed heritage, calls to action, messages of hope, and more to those underprivileged or underrepresented peoples, including, but certainly not limited to, the group we have chosen to highlight with this presentation: Latinas in the United States.

Murals and Migration

Lizzie Biek

Murals are one of the oldest art forms, with cave paintings dating back to the Paleolithic era some 30,000 years ago. Since their inception, murals have been prominently displayed throughout history: from Pharaohs dancing across the colorful sandstone of ancient Egyptian tombs to complex frescos decorating the walls of Roman apartments in Pompeii to the graffiti that spread across the west side of the vast and divisive Berlin wall.

Not only does the art itself convey meaning, but it also carries with it a piece of home for our token artists. Historically, murals have been used as a method to understand the context within which they are painted. Latina art forms are traditionally very vibrant pieces, exploding with color and personality, beautifully reflecting the communities they represent. From the food to family to dance to language, these pieces reflect a culture rich in history. However, some of the greatest meaning is also derived from raw emotions that these pieces convey: heartbreak, sacrifice, and isolation, particularly as these artists seek to grapple with their new realities, as they seek to embrace life in America as fully as they have given their hearts to their homelands. Murals can be defined as a piece of art painted on walls as said above, but to an immigrant, it can mean far more than that. To immigrants, a mural can mean a story, an experience, or a central part of a community or cultural identity. Everyone’s story is different which is why there are no two murals that are exactly alike. It is a beautiful form for someone to express themselves.

Featured Artists

Laura Thurbon

Anji Gayton

Laura Thurbon is an inspiring woman who uplifts every woman she speaks to. Not only is Laura an artist, but she is also an Educator, Marketing Specialist, Photographer, Entertainer (specializing in parties and face painting), and speaker. She was born and raised in Lima, Peru and was the granddaughter of an admiral in the Peruvian Navy. Laura’s a well-known artist when it comes to murals. Her relationship to the community is deeply rooted in her desire to connect with people through her art, using it as a powerful tool to bridge cultural gaps and foster empathy. She plans to employ the language of art to unite individuals and uplift those who may feel left out of place or disconnected, viewing her work to give back and help others heal. Her aim is to create pieces that resonate with universal emotions, reflecting her central mission: to help people see the beauty around them. The significance of her art form lies in its ability to “soothe our soul with certain colors and forms,” embodying a sense of unity and shared consciousness. For her, art dissolves the boundaries between self and others, communicating the essence of non-dualism and the idea that we are all part of a greater whole.

CLICK HERE if you want to look at her portfolio https://laurathurbon.net/portfolio

For any questions regarding the artist here is her email address art@laurathurbon.com

Instagram Handle:

@lauramuralist

Diana Calderon

Sydney Lenski

Diana Calderon is a talented artist and muralist. She was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and raised in El Paso, Texas. She spent her summers on the other side of the border, which allowed her to explore her cultural and ancestral roots in Mexico, a connection that greatly impacted her work. After receiving her Bachelor in Fine Arts from Arizona State University (ASU) in 2008, Calderon spent the next 15 years as an art and bilingual instructor. Now, she offers workshops in her various crafts.

Many of her pieces are influenced by those who have touched her life, including her grandmother, who taught her how to sew and whose passing inspired an exhibition at the ASU Art Museum exploring grief.

Calderon also draws inspiration from personal experiences, crafting many of her exhibits based on the principle of rasquachismo, which is the idea of creation despite limited resources. In her interview, she cites this idea as a way of overcoming the disadvantages presented to her by her Latina identity. Without possessing the solid foundation or resources of others, she built a successful career within the art industry. She instructs others to avoid comparing their achievements to those of their peers and instead encourages them to compete with their past selves, driving improvement within one’s own means. With this attitude, she emphasizes that anyone can achieve their ambitions. She leaves listeners with the guiding question which has been the source of her motivation for excellence. Ask yourself: “why not me?”

Her website is below for your reference: https://www.calderonarte.com/

Alejandra Trujillo

Lizzie Biek

My interviewee could not conduct a live interview so here is a summary of her experience as a Latina Muralist.

Alejandra Trujillo is a very gifted and accomplished artist, muralist, and miniaturist. She was born in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico and lived there until she was in 3rd grade when her family immigrated to the United States. Her family owned a curiosity shop on the Mexican side of the border where she developed her creativity. She pursued a degree in photography and discovered that art was her real passion. She graduated from Pima Community College with a fine arts degree and a photography degree. She decided to solely focus on art and now murals and does other art for the community.

She is also a mom of three with her husband, whom she met in college. She homeschools her kids who are with her 95% of the time, even while she is working. She is an incredible mom, entrepreneur, and business owner.

Community is a big impact to her work. Her work is also influenced by her identity and Mexican culture. She wants the public to know "that following an artistic career is not only joyous and fulfilling but can be very lucrative. Tucson, Arizona is an amazing City to make that dream work. Even if you think your circumstances are not optimal to make your dream happen, working hard and believing in yourself makes a huge difference."

Find out more about her below:

https://artsfoundtucson.org/directory/alejandra-trujillo/

Follow her on Instagram: atrujillo_art

Cultural Organization Highlight: Chicanos Por La Causa

Anji Gayton

Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) began in 1969 with a group of students and community members who stood up against racial discrimination. This nonprofit organization works to improve the lives of individuals and families by helping them live in better conditions and achieve success. CPLC focuses on five key areas: health and hum services, housing, education, economic development and advocacy. They help Latino families find affordable housing and achieve homeownership. Their economic development work includes creating jobs, offering job training, and supporting small, Latino-owned businesses. They also advocate for fair policies to address inequalities and amplify the voices of Latino communities.

For more information feel free to visit their website:

https://cplc.org

Cultural Organization Highlight: Xico

Sydney Lenski

Founded in 1975, Xico is an organization centered around artistic expression as a means to honor and preserve Latino and Indigenous culture. The group works to advance the skills and visibility of emerging artists by providing specialized classes and hosting events to promote their work.

For those interested in learning more information or attending an art workshop, please visit the link below:

https://xico.org/

Cultural Organization Highlight: Fair Trade Cafe

Lizzie Biek

Founded by Stephanie Vasquez. She is a second-generation migrant, her parents were from Mexico. The motto of Fair Trade Cafe is “coffee with a conscience.” They sell organic fair-trade coffee, in house baked goods, and artisan crafted sandwiches. They also host community events and rotate art from local artists.

Find more information on their website:

https://azfairtrade.com/phoenix-fair-trade-cafe-about

Mural Mayhem!

Sydney Lenski

Help Latina artist Ashley Macias assemble her mural by completing this puzzle game!

Submit Your Art!

Lizzie Biek

Add to our joined communal mural wall below. Scan this QR code and upload images to be featured on the website!

Mural Mayhem!

Sydney Lenski

Help Latina artist Diana Calderon assemble her mural by completing this puzzle game!

Our Mural Wall

Bibliography

“About.” Fair Trade Cafe, https://azfairtrade.com/phoenix-fair-trade-cafe-about Calderon, Diana. Calderonarte.com, www.calderonarte.com/.

Clasen, Sally J. “Faces & Places: Artist Ashley Macias: Visit Phoenix.” Faces & Places: Artist Ashley Macias, Visit Phoenix, 17 Oct. 2022, www.visitphoenix.com/stories/post/ashley-macias/.

Kenny, John. “Populist Public Art and Chicano Political Activism.” The Chicano Mural Movement of the Southwest: Populist Public Art and Chicano Political Activism , University of New Orleans, 15 Dec. 2006, scholarworks.uno.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1492&context=td.

“Las Primas | Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area.” Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area |, https://santacruzheritage.org/lasprimas/.

“Latino & Indigenous Arts Organization in Phoenix.” Xico, Xico, 30 Oct. 2024, xico.org/.

Martinez-Hollingsworth A, Hernández J, Edwards C, Partlow K. Mural Painting to Collect Sensitizing Data and Encourage Research Participation Among U.S. Latinos. Health Promotion Practice.

“Monday Murals: Immigration is beautiful (AGAIN).” Altered Book Lover, 28 June 2020, https://alteredbooklover.blogspot.com/2020/06/monday-murals-immigration-is-beautiful.html. Accessed

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