The Western Colorado Latino Chamber of Commerce (WCLCC) and the Hispanic Affairs Project (HAP) partnered to bring the community a mural that reflects historical aspects of the Grand Valley featuring migrants and local agricultural history.
Artist Jeremy Velasquez, a well-known muralist with art displayed throughout Grand Junction, will reveal the completed project entitled “Fernando” at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 15, along the Riverfront Trail by the overpass pier of Hwy 50. The public is invited to the reveal of the artwork measuring about 42 feet by 10 feet and created using high-grade aerosol paint.
“The mural is inspired by my girlfriend’s dad who is an immigrant from Mexico that has worked as a rancher his whole life serving areas in the Grand Valley, mainly Palisade,” said Velasquez whose art can currently be seen at the Riverside Educational Center as well as another overpass pier of Hwy 50.
Although “Fernando” is a commissioned piece, this mural is part of the Art on the Riverfront Trail (aRT) project. aRT is designed to transform underpasses along the Riverfront Trail into vibrant, colorful expressions that enhance the trail users’ experience. The project is a fluid process with murals changing annually, bringing new and fresh designs to the Riverfront Trail. It is designed to expand the area’s rich artistic community, provide spaces to nurture budding artists and create a more vibrant place to play in our community.
Dr. Tom Acker of HAP and Jerry Martinez of WCLCC will attend the mural unveiling to the community. While this is the inaugural year, they are hoping to make it an annual tradition.
The reveal will take place after the WCLCC closing celebration for Hispanic Heritage month. This year, WCLCC collaborated with STRIVE’s Rollin’ on the River (ROTR) event. The day’s events, kicking off at 10 a.m., will include the ROTR walk, performances by MusicSpark, Nuevo Generacion Dancers and the Mariachi Reyes de Jalisco Band, as well as arts, crafts, a puppet show, pumpkin painting and much, much more!
