Corona’s First City Mural “Home is Circle City” Unveiled
CORONA – As the City of Corona continues its re-branding efforts to capture the history, unique characteristics, and culture of the Circle City, it unveiled the first commissioned mural last Saturday created by resident and internationally recognized artist, Eliseo Art Silva.
The four walls of the bathroom facility at Promenade Park celebrate the city’s founders, architecture, destinations, events, culture, arts, heritage, and milestones.
A native of the Philippines and a 30-year resident of Corona, Silva’s murals are staples in cities across the U.S., and California and are the welcoming east and west gateways to Filipinotown in Los Angeles. His art is recognized around the globe.
“I have a longstanding interest in art, painting and community-based and participatory approaches to urban design and public art,” Silva writes. “In my work as a mural artist, I always find pedagogical (teaching) ways for youth and community members to bring in their cultural perspectives, knowledge, and imagination into the creative process.”
Back in 2022, the city solicited local artists to capture the community’s roots, development, and evolution over the century-plus of cityhood. Silva’s vision was selected by the community as the first commissioned city mural, “Home is Circle City.”
Silva says he spent 33, eight-hour days bringing his vision to life.
Unveiled on Saturday, the four walls of the Promenade Park building begin with a montage of city founders, R.B. Taylor, George L. Joy, Samuel Merril, A.F. Garretson and Adolph Rimpau and the purchased lands of the La Sierra Rancho of Bernardo Yorba, the Temescal Grant of Leandro Serrano,that founded the citrus colony and town of Corona. It also commemorates Chief civil engineer H.C. Kellog, who designed the unique layout of the streets, with a standard grid enclosed by the circular Grand Boulevard where the city got its nickname, “the Circle City”
The second panel represents a welcome to the city illustrating the Temescal Hotel, Corona’s first and the 1st orange tree in the colony, planted in 1887. Also depicted is Corona School, the City’s first educational site built in 1889, later renamed Lincoln School in 1911; images showcasing the last of the three major road races held in the famous 3-mile circular Grand Boulevard, on April 8, 1916; Glen Ivy Hot Springs with scenic views of the Temescal Valley and warm pools, surrounded by oranges and roses, one of Southern California’s top resorts.
To read more about artist Eliseo Art Silva and view his wide-ranging murals and studio art, visit https://www.eliseoartsilva.com/. His latest mural “Home is Circle City” is at Promenade Park, 615 Richey Street in Corona.
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