TUCSON – Murals are popping up all over Tucson. A new one is in the works on the east side and it is different than the others.
This mural in the works at Palo Verde Pool and is being created by students. They are also getting paid for their work through a program by the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona.
The Arts Foundation believes public art makes a community more vibrant.
“It’s kind of like a sign of life,” said Isaac Caruso, Arizona Muralist.
Caruso is working with four students to bring life to this eastside community. He applied and was selected to oversee the students.
“Our job was to figure out the story here so we met with the community here and we got an idea of when this area was built, who was here when it was built, and kind of merged that into present day,” said Caruso.
The four students had to submit portfolios and they were chosen to create this mural alongside Caruso.
“It’s been so awesome,” said Jenna Linneman, student. “First off, getting paid is super cool, but the design process was really really awesome.”
The project happens every two years by the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona in partnership with the Pima Association of Governments.
The students and Caruso designed the mural and pitched it to a panel.
“It wasn’t exactly what I was thinking it was going to be,” said Sarina Tuskey, student. “I thought there was going to be a design and we all just paint it, but I really liked being a part of the process to create it.”
Now they will have the experience to one day create more public art.
“I like painting for my friends, but being able to create something that a bunch of people are going to see that I don’t even know and then also getting paid for it is a plus,” said Tuskey.
“I expected teamwork, but the way we’ve been working together is awesome,” said Linneman. “It’s just everybody’s input and everybody’s thoughts and designs together, so I think that’s really cool.”
There will be a dedication ceremony to unveil the finished mural on July 25 from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Palo Verde Pool.
Go HERE to see more of Isaac Caruso’s work.
