The Joaquin Murrieta Park public art reflects unique stories and the history of the park, a direct result of the artists’ work with the public art panel and community. To accompany the artwork, Salomón R. Baldenegro, lead organizer in the grassroots Chicano movement, wrote the story of how Joaquin Murrieta Park came to be through the tireless efforts of community members and their activism for public space. Read the historical text for Joaquin Murrieta Park here.
The Por La Gente murals by Carlos Ballesteros, Alfonso Chavez, and Jacob Robles feature hands with items such as paint brushes, roses, books, and baseball gloves, representing the community’s strong history and values of activism, education, sports, and performing arts. The I Love You and Peace sign language symbols represent the park’s connection to the Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind community. Watch a video of muralist, Carlos Ballesteros, speak about the murals here.
The Tlaloc and Friends sculptures by Hirotsune Tashima include the Tlaloc Rain God, representing the importance of water to the region and the park itself, as well as the park’s connection to the Chicano movement and Chicano culture. The desert animals act as engaging and interactive sculptures and benches. Logos and colors of the local baseball and softball teams are reflected in the sculptures as the Park has been home to the Western Little League for over six decades. Watch a video about Tashima’s sculptures here.
About the Artists
HIROTSUNE TASHIMA
Hirotsune Tashima holds an MFA from Alfred University and a BFA from Osaka University of Arts. His work has been supported by major grants, including the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, the Arizona Commission on the Arts, Rotary International, and the Japanese Government. Tashima has presented more than 27 solo exhibitions in cities such as New York, Tokyo, and Tucson, and has been featured in over 180 group exhibitions and competitions worldwide. As a public artist, he has completed 13 public art projects across Arizona, including commissions for the Phoenix Convention Center and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. His work is held in notable public and private collections, including the Auckland Museum in New Zealand, the Everson Museum of Art in New York, the Jingdezhen Museum of Ceramics in China, and the private collection of David Bowie. Visit Tashima’s Artist Directory Profile.
CARLOS BALLESTEROS
West Tucson native, Carlos Ballesteros is a creative freelance graphic designer with a passion for mixed media, bold graphics and head turning visuals. Some early influences that reflect his path as a multi-genre artist were in the streets; like graffiti, hip-hop, music, skateboarding, low riding, and tattoo cultures. All of these influences and styles blend into an evolution of WESTYLES brand and signature style. Carlos took his passion for art and turned it into his career and since then has helped multiple companies, small business owners, and brands develop logos and signage that feel unique and professional. The opportunity to paint a mural that will thrive for generations, in the park and community I grew up is a true honor and personal achievement.
ALFONSO CHAVEZ
Inspired by the experience of the youth organizing in a hyper-politicized climate, Alfonso (Fonz520) Chavez, works at the intersection of environmental activism, social and food justice, as well as the arts. Grounded in culture and the southwest’s powerful landscapes, his work highlights the resilience and lived experiences of Tucson people. Through creative practice and advocacy, Alfonso strives to uplift and support progressive change for a more just and sustainable future.
JACOB ROBLES
Jacob Robles was born and raised in Tucson, AZ, whose roots as an artist began as a graffiti writer. Along with murals and aerosol art, Robles also does graphic design, printmaking, digital art, and mixed media paintings. His content promotes themes of culture, sustainability, activism and Indigenous knowledge, around food, ceremony and cultural practices.
Public Art Panel and Partners
The Joaquin Murrieta Park Public Art Panelists include: Lara Somers, Artist, PACD, Ward 1 Resident; Jessica Murrieta Ortiz, Artist, Ward 1 Resident; Raul Ramirez, Ward 1 Resident; Karima Walker, Artist, Ward 1 Resident; Delynn Saunders, ASDB, Ward 1 Resident; Patricia Palomera, Ward 1 Resident; Sean Nusbaum, Ward 1 Resident; Tom Fisher and Donny Russell, Parks and Recreation Department Project Managers; Rebeca Field, Kimley-Horn, Project Design Representative.
This public art project was commissioned by the City of Tucson, Parks and Recreation Department and administered by the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Arizona.
2022 Call to Artists Guidelines / Lineamientos
