Mosaic Murals
Butterflies Forever!
© 2021 Precita Eyes Muralists Association
Dimensions: 6" - 3.5' high by 120' wide
Location: Precita Park Playground
Directed by Susan Cervantes with Lead Artists Fred Alvarado, Julia Barzizza, Suaro Cervantes and Paola Reyes-Melendez
Funded by Community Challenge Grant
© 2021 Precita Eyes Muralists Association
Dimensions: 6" - 3.5' high by 120' wide
Location: Precita Park Playground
Directed by Susan Cervantes with Lead Artists Fred Alvarado, Julia Barzizza, Suaro Cervantes and Paola Reyes-Melendez
Funded by Community Challenge Grant
DEscription
On June 10, 2021 over 35 people, including 12 children, attended the Precita Park Butterfly Garden Mural Design Workshop held at Precita Valley Community Center. It was a very engaging and successful event for the community. Their original drawings for the mural were used in the fully-developed mural design. The design reflects the Precita Park Butterfly Garden and the many butterflies and plants that live in and around Precita Park.
The mural starts at the left corner with Precita Creek and a patch of Horsetail Milkweed, the host plant for the Monarch butterfly. Beyond the Horsetail is a Monarch caterpillar nibbling on a leaf of Butterfly Milkweed. As the Precita Creek flows, different seeds scatter in the wind. The sky graduates from sunrise pinks and yellows into soft blues, reflective of the Monarch butterfly’s transformation from cocoon, to chrysalis to fluttering butterfly.
Black-eyed Susans sprout up from the wall and the hills change into golden, summer hilltops. A Checkerspot Butterfly soars above the creek, surrounded by a bright yellow protective light. The Mourning Cloak drifts in the wind toward two girls covered in fluttering butterflies. Another Checkerspot meanders away from the scene and drifts into a patch of Seaside Daisies underneath the sun. A Mission Blue moth greets the Checkerspot on the other side.
Behind the moth are two stalks of Hummingbird Salvia being enjoyed by an Anna’s Hummingbird. As the golden hills begin to turn green four butterflies dance together in the breeze. They are a Buckeye Butterfly, a Monarch, a West Coast Lady, and a blush pink butterfly called the East Coast Lady. A Morning Cloak flits along the green hills.
Seated on a pink daisy is a small teal-haired fairy. She smiles at a Western Tiger Swallowtail caught in the wind.
Beyond the Swallowtail is a Monarch enjoying some Milkweed and a Green Sweat Bee seated on a very colorful stalk of Yarrow.
Nearby another Swallowtail lands on the nose of a daughter of the neighborhood. She grins widely as the wind catches her hair and scatters the seeds, led by a pair of smiling bumble bees, beyond the playground and into the world.
The mural starts at the left corner with Precita Creek and a patch of Horsetail Milkweed, the host plant for the Monarch butterfly. Beyond the Horsetail is a Monarch caterpillar nibbling on a leaf of Butterfly Milkweed. As the Precita Creek flows, different seeds scatter in the wind. The sky graduates from sunrise pinks and yellows into soft blues, reflective of the Monarch butterfly’s transformation from cocoon, to chrysalis to fluttering butterfly.
Black-eyed Susans sprout up from the wall and the hills change into golden, summer hilltops. A Checkerspot Butterfly soars above the creek, surrounded by a bright yellow protective light. The Mourning Cloak drifts in the wind toward two girls covered in fluttering butterflies. Another Checkerspot meanders away from the scene and drifts into a patch of Seaside Daisies underneath the sun. A Mission Blue moth greets the Checkerspot on the other side.
Behind the moth are two stalks of Hummingbird Salvia being enjoyed by an Anna’s Hummingbird. As the golden hills begin to turn green four butterflies dance together in the breeze. They are a Buckeye Butterfly, a Monarch, a West Coast Lady, and a blush pink butterfly called the East Coast Lady. A Morning Cloak flits along the green hills.
Seated on a pink daisy is a small teal-haired fairy. She smiles at a Western Tiger Swallowtail caught in the wind.
Beyond the Swallowtail is a Monarch enjoying some Milkweed and a Green Sweat Bee seated on a very colorful stalk of Yarrow.
Nearby another Swallowtail lands on the nose of a daughter of the neighborhood. She grins widely as the wind catches her hair and scatters the seeds, led by a pair of smiling bumble bees, beyond the playground and into the world.
Nested Together We Flourish ©2021 Precita Eyes Muralists
Size: 8’ high x 14’ wide
Materials: Acrylic & Mosaic
Designed by: The Friends of Brisbane Library
Directed by: Susan Cervantes
Lead Artist Julia Barzizza
Assisted by: Deirdre Weinberg, Christy Majano,Paola Reyes, Josie Merer
Location: Brisbane Public Library, 250 Visitacion Ave, Brisbane, CA 94005
Funded by: Friends of Brisbane Library
Size: 8’ high x 14’ wide
Materials: Acrylic & Mosaic
Designed by: The Friends of Brisbane Library
Directed by: Susan Cervantes
Lead Artist Julia Barzizza
Assisted by: Deirdre Weinberg, Christy Majano,Paola Reyes, Josie Merer
Location: Brisbane Public Library, 250 Visitacion Ave, Brisbane, CA 94005
Funded by: Friends of Brisbane Library
Description
A large book opens to a page depicting the Ohlone people. The book represents the history of Brisbane and its everlasting stories. Binary code spills from the pages, representing the present and future. It spells the city’s date of incorporation: November 27,1961.
A pair of kids sit at the edge of the book; one reads and the other holds books in his lap while gazing upward at the native birds. A Red-tailed Hawk, a Swift, and parrots carry the pages of Brisbane Library’s history beyond the nest and into the world! The pages are scribed with dates important to the library’s history: the date the library opened, the date it was moved to the community drug store, the year the library grew into the largest location of its own, the year the community center and library were combined and commemorated, and the present date when the library opens new doors to another chapter!
Native plant life (Silver Lupine, California Sagebrush, Miner's Lettuce, Blue Chaparral, Poppies and Lessengia) grow around houses, and intergenerational communities gather together to create a nest around Brisbane. While some volunteer in the garden and read, others protest the construction of the quarry and the residential development on San BrunoMountain. The construction trucks encroach onto the nested city from the right side of the mural, and the Brisbane residents gather together to protect their community. In front of the construction protests, Black Lives Matter activists raise their fists and lead the march toward the viewer. A young man with a book bag holds a sign that reads, “My life matters.”Above the protesters is a Barn Owl and her chick, symbolizing wisdom and generations growing safely together.
Behind the owl is the baseball diamond and the Mission Blue nursery, overflowing with plant life and greenery. The mobile library putters in the background. Music drifts from musicians playing in the gazebo on the far left, and the notes trickle above the scene whileMission Blue butterflies flit in-between.
In the background looms a vibrant and rugged San Bruno mountain. Fog rolls over one side of the mountain, carrying an Ohlone Boat, symbolic of the Ohlone ancestors who are still here today. Treetops peak in between the wisps of fog, while a fire truck patrols up the mountain. Community members run, bike, hike, walk their dogs and work out in the park.
More houses nestle together in the distance, and Brisbane residents howl at the moon! In the far distance is the emerald city (San Francisco). Night stars twinkle over houses decorated with colorful stars. In between the houses and people are decorative fire hydrants, markers of Brisbane’s unique traditions.
In the distance is the healing quarry, surrounded by viridian, wisps of wind and trails. Kids roll down one side of the mountain in colorful derby cars! They race toward the open book, toward knowledge and lifelong learning, and the roots of Brisbane’s history.
Nested together the community flourishes, radiating warmth, resilience, and community.
A pair of kids sit at the edge of the book; one reads and the other holds books in his lap while gazing upward at the native birds. A Red-tailed Hawk, a Swift, and parrots carry the pages of Brisbane Library’s history beyond the nest and into the world! The pages are scribed with dates important to the library’s history: the date the library opened, the date it was moved to the community drug store, the year the library grew into the largest location of its own, the year the community center and library were combined and commemorated, and the present date when the library opens new doors to another chapter!
Native plant life (Silver Lupine, California Sagebrush, Miner's Lettuce, Blue Chaparral, Poppies and Lessengia) grow around houses, and intergenerational communities gather together to create a nest around Brisbane. While some volunteer in the garden and read, others protest the construction of the quarry and the residential development on San BrunoMountain. The construction trucks encroach onto the nested city from the right side of the mural, and the Brisbane residents gather together to protect their community. In front of the construction protests, Black Lives Matter activists raise their fists and lead the march toward the viewer. A young man with a book bag holds a sign that reads, “My life matters.”Above the protesters is a Barn Owl and her chick, symbolizing wisdom and generations growing safely together.
Behind the owl is the baseball diamond and the Mission Blue nursery, overflowing with plant life and greenery. The mobile library putters in the background. Music drifts from musicians playing in the gazebo on the far left, and the notes trickle above the scene whileMission Blue butterflies flit in-between.
In the background looms a vibrant and rugged San Bruno mountain. Fog rolls over one side of the mountain, carrying an Ohlone Boat, symbolic of the Ohlone ancestors who are still here today. Treetops peak in between the wisps of fog, while a fire truck patrols up the mountain. Community members run, bike, hike, walk their dogs and work out in the park.
More houses nestle together in the distance, and Brisbane residents howl at the moon! In the far distance is the emerald city (San Francisco). Night stars twinkle over houses decorated with colorful stars. In between the houses and people are decorative fire hydrants, markers of Brisbane’s unique traditions.
In the distance is the healing quarry, surrounded by viridian, wisps of wind and trails. Kids roll down one side of the mountain in colorful derby cars! They race toward the open book, toward knowledge and lifelong learning, and the roots of Brisbane’s history.
Nested together the community flourishes, radiating warmth, resilience, and community.
Cycles of Life ©2020 Precita Eyes Muralists Association
Size: Planter boxes ranging from 1'6" - 3'2" high x 3' - 15' wide
Materials: Mosaic, Stained Glass, and Mirror
Directed by: Susan Cervantes with Yuka Ezoe.
Assisted by: Fred Alvarado, Christy Majano, Robert Louthan, and Deirdre Weinberg
Funded by: Mission Economic Development Association (MEDA)
Location: Casa Adelante, 1296 Shotwell, San Francisco, CA 94110
Size: Planter boxes ranging from 1'6" - 3'2" high x 3' - 15' wide
Materials: Mosaic, Stained Glass, and Mirror
Directed by: Susan Cervantes with Yuka Ezoe.
Assisted by: Fred Alvarado, Christy Majano, Robert Louthan, and Deirdre Weinberg
Funded by: Mission Economic Development Association (MEDA)
Location: Casa Adelante, 1296 Shotwell, San Francisco, CA 94110
Gift of Xochitlquetal-2018
20-panel mosaic tile
Design and direction: Susan Cervantes
Assisted by: Suaro Cervantes on fabrication and leading the installation
Funded by: SF Art Commission Artist Grant
Location: Precita Eyes, 2981 24th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
Design and direction: Susan Cervantes
Assisted by: Suaro Cervantes on fabrication and leading the installation
Funded by: SF Art Commission Artist Grant
Location: Precita Eyes, 2981 24th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
Description
The design or the mosaic mural is inspired by Latino cultural motifs “Xochtlquetzal” (Precious Flower), palabras (speech glyphs) Aztec calendar day symbols Mallinalli (Life) and Tzontemoc (Death). Xochitlquetzal’s spirit is coming through the front door of the center offering the sun and the four directions. She is declaring an abundance of creativity and imagination. The dualities, Mallinalli is facing the east and Tzontemoc is facing west.
“Garden Delights”–2017
Size/Medium: 8 panels, 24" x 24", mosaic
Directed by: Susan Cervantes, with Fred Alvarado and Paulette Liang
In collaboration with: Senior residents at 25 Sanchez Senior Housing, each for their garden environment.
Size/Medium: 8 panels, 24" x 24", mosaic
Directed by: Susan Cervantes, with Fred Alvarado and Paulette Liang
In collaboration with: Senior residents at 25 Sanchez Senior Housing, each for their garden environment.
”Bernal Heights Library”–2011
© 2012 Precita Eyes Muralists
3’-6’’ x 40’, painted ceramic and glazed tile and bronze relief
Precita Eyes Muralists Team: Susan Cervantes, Suaro Cervantes, Elaine Chu, Dan Machiarini, and Marina Perez Wong
© 2012 Precita Eyes Muralists
3’-6’’ x 40’, painted ceramic and glazed tile and bronze relief
Precita Eyes Muralists Team: Susan Cervantes, Suaro Cervantes, Elaine Chu, Dan Machiarini, and Marina Perez Wong
"Serving Youth for 100 Years"–2010
Size/Medium: 10’x 25’, interior painted tile mosaic
Directed by: Susan Cervantes
In collaboration with: Elaine Chu and YMCA community.
Location: 500 Cortland Avenue, San Francisco
Size/Medium: 10’x 25’, interior painted tile mosaic
Directed by: Susan Cervantes
In collaboration with: Elaine Chu and YMCA community.
Location: 500 Cortland Avenue, San Francisco
“Americana Tropical”–2009
Size/Medium: 12’x20’ painted tile mosaic mural.
Location: 24th Street MiniPark, Harrison Street, San Francisco
Muralists: Precita Eyes Muralists in collaboration with 24th St. Mini Park children, youth, families and Lower 24th St. Neighborhood Assoc.
Funding: Fleishhacker Foundation and SF Arts Commission Organization Project Grant.
Size/Medium: 12’x20’ painted tile mosaic mural.
Location: 24th Street MiniPark, Harrison Street, San Francisco
Muralists: Precita Eyes Muralists in collaboration with 24th St. Mini Park children, youth, families and Lower 24th St. Neighborhood Assoc.
Funding: Fleishhacker Foundation and SF Arts Commission Organization Project Grant.
"24th Street MiniPark"–2009
Location: Harrison Street, San Francisco
Collaboration with: Precita Eyes and lead artists Colette Crutcher
Location: Harrison Street, San Francisco
Collaboration with: Precita Eyes and lead artists Colette Crutcher
Crocker Amazon Mosaic Mural Project–2007
Size/Medium: 4 benches, 1 concrete boat, 646 sq. ft.
Location: Crocker Amazon Playground Moscow and Geneva Streets., San Francisco
Designed and executed with community
Funding: Community Challenge Grant
Size/Medium: 4 benches, 1 concrete boat, 646 sq. ft.
Location: Crocker Amazon Playground Moscow and Geneva Streets., San Francisco
Designed and executed with community
Funding: Community Challenge Grant
“Hillcrest School Mosaic Mural”–2007
©2007 Precita Eyes Muralists
12’ x 20’, mosaic
Mural Director: Susan Cervantes
Contributing Artists: Suaro Cervantes and Missy Ablin in collaboration with 50 students, parents and faculty.Location: Hillcrest Elementary School, San Franscisco
©2007 Precita Eyes Muralists
12’ x 20’, mosaic
Mural Director: Susan Cervantes
Contributing Artists: Suaro Cervantes and Missy Ablin in collaboration with 50 students, parents and faculty.Location: Hillcrest Elementary School, San Franscisco
"Community Peace Mosaic Mural"–1999-2002
Size/Medium: 8’ x 30, mosaic
Mural Director: Susan Cervantes in collaboration with artists, children, youth and community residents
With community participation: 700 individual painted tiles for sidewalk in memory of a couple slain in the park. Friends of Recreation and Parks and Precita Valley Neighbors Assoc.
Location: Precita Park, San Francisco
Size/Medium: 8’ x 30, mosaic
Mural Director: Susan Cervantes in collaboration with artists, children, youth and community residents
With community participation: 700 individual painted tiles for sidewalk in memory of a couple slain in the park. Friends of Recreation and Parks and Precita Valley Neighbors Assoc.
Location: Precita Park, San Francisco
“The Flower Inside Us Grows”–2001-2002
Size/Medium: 5’x65’, mosaic and painted tile sidewalk mural
Location: Otis Street at Mission Street, Mission Sidewalk Enhancement Project
In collaboration with: Peter Carpou and Carolyna Marks with the participation of over 200 youth at the Larkin Street Youth Center and Precita Eyes.
Commissioned by: the SF Arts Commission through the Municipal Railway.
Size/Medium: 5’x65’, mosaic and painted tile sidewalk mural
Location: Otis Street at Mission Street, Mission Sidewalk Enhancement Project
In collaboration with: Peter Carpou and Carolyna Marks with the participation of over 200 youth at the Larkin Street Youth Center and Precita Eyes.
Commissioned by: the SF Arts Commission through the Municipal Railway.
DESCRIPTION
700 individual painted tiles on Memorial sidewalk and bench. Painted Tile mosaic and bench. Commissioned by the San Francisco Municipal Railway