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| In the summer of 2004, Jose Ramirez,
a renowned Los Angeles-based artist (www.ramirezart.com),
led an indoor mural project for Maternal and Child Health
Access (MCHA). Eight women from our case-management program
and arts-and-crafts collective took part in this adventure
and whether participating or just observing the process,
it was an amazing experience for everyone in our office.
Initially, the women did not believe they would ever draw
or paint, let alone fill what appreared to be an enormous
canvas with their art. Jose met this challenge by teaching
them basic art techniques and coaching them them throughout
the process. He constantly encouraged and nurtured the women's
artistic abilities, and when they saw their work taking form
they resonated with confidence and pride. With breastfeeding
babies in slings and children reading or creating their own
artwork at tables near the mural site, the women painted
beautiful images that reflect a vision for a neighborhood
of inclusion that provides education, health care, green
areas, and places such as MCHA where they feel safe enough
to dream, learn, and take action. The women who created the
mural are Manuela Silva, Margarita Velasquez, Dominga Guzman,
Yurri Carreon, Hortencia Montiel, Maria Venegas, Teresa Garcia,
and Rocio Martinez. |
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