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11'3" x 33', Acrylic on Stucco
Location: John F. Kennedy Elementary School, 785 Price St, Daly City, CA
Precita Eyes Muralists Project
Directed by: Yuka Ezoe
Assisted by: Joe Colmenares
Designed and painted by: 30 4th-grade students
This mural is the result of a collaboration between Ms. Dox and her students, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the school's diverse student body. Together, they crafted a tapestry of cultural narratives that reflect the students' interests, curriculum, identities, and passions. Three folklore dragons form an oval shape, symbolizing the school’s mascot while honoring the students' heritage: the Philippines, China, and the Aztec culture. Corals, representing the largest coral reefs in the Philippines, surround a woman dancing in her traditional Filipina dress. A floating castle, drawn from the imagery of an old Honduras flag, adds to the mural's symbolic richness. Sugar skulls from Día de los Muertos and a mariachi singer represent Mexico, while a soccer player, volcanic mountains, children resting in hammocks, and their colorful transportation bus symbolize El Salvador. An African mask embraces the dragons, while native animals, such as the Golden Eagle from the Mexican flag and the Filipino cobra and tiger, unite to represent the ever-evolving change and diversity within the student body. However, the mural’s significance extends far beyond its vibrant colors and symbolism. It provides the creators with an opportunity to explore and express their cultural heritage. Participants were encouraged to reflect on the connections between their family histories and their academic futures, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in both their learning and their academic space. The project also allowed students to engage with various layers of identity—self-awareness, cultural awareness, and community awareness. The inclusivity of this project extends the context to our current, quilted culture, representing the diverse tapestry of modern society. Through this artistic expression, students learned that they are not only advocates for their heritage but also active participants in transforming society toward inclusivity and integration. The value of UNITY was a central theme communicated throughout the mural project.





