Elaine Kessler 

The land on which Gilbert, Arizona sits was once the land of the Akimel O’odham (Upper Pima) and Hohokam tribes. 

Here, the arts flourished, and they transformed the desert into gardens, growing cotton for clothing, rugs and other textile products. They grew crops of corn, melons, beans, fruits, and other foods. A community thrived and gracefully integrated with their neighbors to the south. 

Later, as people traveled west in search of gold and land, one grateful member of the Mormon Battalion wrote in his journal in 1846, on his way from New Mexico to California during the Mexican American War, “They are a noble race.”  

Then in 1857 it is recorded by Lt. Sylvester Mowry: “Their stores of wheat and corn have supplied many a starved emigrant and restored his broken-down animals.” 

Long before Gilbert was incorporated, people inhabited this land with generosity, creativity, and conscientiousness. How do we pursue this incredible precedent? 

As we have developed in many extraordinary ways, there are some things that are not as quick to change. Sixty years ago, Jerry Talamante delivered a profound and still salient valedictory speech at Gilbert High School’s Graduation. He opened it saying that “many young people are concerned with their future and because they are concerned with their future, they are concerned with the world’s future.” He goes on to say that young people hope to have the experience of “living in a world of trust, in an era of peace.” Talamante’s speech outlines the “segregation – integration…problem, hidden under a coat of hypocrisy” here in Gilbert. His speech is brave and honest and unfortunately, Gilbert continues to wrestle with issues of diversity. 

As we grow in size, we should grow in diversity. While Gilbert is relatively homogenous, it is not a bubble. We have lively economic development, burgeoning businesses of all sizes, and incredible residential offerings. While known for its many award-winning amenities and accolades, the Town of Gilbert isn’t brimming with the diversity one might expect from a community over 250,000 strong. 

Less than twenty years ago, a paper called “Diversity Issues in Gilbert, Arizona” by Pamela M. Smith and Penny L. Willrich articulates: “Racism continues to exist. Homophobia is rampant. Access to affordable housing and accessible transportation has not been resolved. Domestic violence is a daily occurrence. Individuals with disabilities are still subjected to disparate treatment.”  

How can we promote inclusion, diversity, and a vigorous sense of community in the town? What is the role of HD South in contributing to the growth of a diverse landscape of people, cultures, traditions, and values? 

According to Museums Association:   

Museums now find that they play an increasing role in supporting the development of communities. Museums can be a place to help shape community identity and bring different community groups together, a catalyst for regeneration through the creation of new venues and civic spaces, and a resource for developing the skills and confidence of members of those communities.
 

HD South is a site of community transformation. People from all areas of life are invited to come to HD South and develop perspective, skills, and resources. HD South’s role in the current conversation of diversity and inclusivity is significant. As host to multiple program offerings and various arts, culture, and historical events and exhibits, HD South is a foundational component to our community development.  

In these unusual and tumultuous times, here are ideas to broaden perspective, contribution, and understanding: 

Vote. In an article by Michael Israel, a few prominent figures are quoted. Morgan Carroll in “Take Back Your Government: A Citizen’s Guide to Making Your Government Work For You” eloquently expresses the power of a vote when she says: “When there’s a vacuum of public input, lobbyists usually fill it. But when there’s public input, the people usually win.” Lyndon B. Johnson stated, “The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised…for breaking down injustice.” The more people know what is going on in our community by voting on matters that are important to them, the more people will engage with each other and begin to hopefully understand each other. See this link to learn how to register to vote: https://www.usa.gov/register-to-vote 

Participate. Encourage participation in public affairs – get people involved; be involved. This community is full of dynamic individuals – we should rally together to make the community a dynamic place to live. Show up at events, participate in meetings (virtual or not), and get to know your neighbors. This kind of participation makes all the difference when cultivating a strong, generous, and abundant community.  

Check here for events: 

https://hdsouth.org/events/  

https://www.gilbertaz.gov/residents/calendar-month-view  

https://business.gilbertaz.com/events 

From the National Museum Directors Conference, two compelling ideas are put forth that help to put into context the power of a place like HD South: 

“Museums are spaces in which identities are understood, formed and shared. They provide a stimulating public space in which people can come together and be inspired.”  

“Cultural institutions provide the glue that binds communities together. Culture attracts people to a place, just as much as good schools, housing or transport and creates an environment in which other industries, goods and services can grow.” 

In this interesting and uncertain era, we witness the evolution of our community. Consider allowing the cultural hub of Gilbert, HD South, to impact the breadth and depth of your experience as a member of this place we call home. 

Akimel O’odham – Pee Posh. “Our Community Our Future.” 2007. http://gilariver.org/pdfs/exec/GRIC-PressKitMagazine-FALL2007.pdf 

Israel, Michael. “Why is it Important to Vote?” The Borgen Project. 29 April 2018. https://borgenproject.org/why-is-it-important-to-vote/ 

Museum Association. “Communities Love Museums.” https://www.museumsassociation.org/download?id=143115 

National Museum Directors’ Conference (NMDC).’ Museums Deliver.’ 2010. http://www.nationalmuseums.org.uk/media/documents/what_we_do_documents/museums_deliver_full.pdf 

NMDC. ‘Values and Vision: The Contribution of Culture.’ 2006. http://www.nationalmuseums.org.uk/media/documents/publications/values_and_vision.pdf 

Native Land. https://native-land.ca 

Smith, Pamela and Willrich, Penny. “Diversity Issues in Gilbert, Arizona: Effectiveness of Human Relations Commission for Resolving Human Rights Violations.” Arizona Summit Law School Research Paper. 2001. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2479481 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2479481 

Talamante, Jerry. “Valedictorian Speech.” Gilbert High School Graduation, 26 May 1960, Gilbert, AZ. 

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Elaine Kessler 

I have been creating images in Gilbert since 2006. There are several beautiful locations in our fair town. I will share a few of the easier ones to access and offer some tips to keep in mind when having your own photo sessions. 

First, to create great naturally lit portraits without the aid of extra lighting (non-sun sources) try to go at first or last light when the sun is low in the sky – there is less risk of harsh shadows and overexposure. Also consider looking for open shade where you can create evenly lit portraits. Some locations are better than others for this. A good resource for determining the time of first and last light on specific days is this website: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/@5551752 

Second, consider what color the trees and grass might be when you have your session. Some places in the winter do not plant winter grass so the ground is brown which, unless you are a whiz in photoshop, can be less than attractive. 

Third, consider how busy the location might be where you are planning to shoot. Each of the spots mentioned in this article are popular with photographers and it might be wise to plan your session at times that locations are likely to be less busy (first light, weekdays, etc.) 

Fourth, if you are planning a session in Downtown Gilbert, do know that shooting on live railroad tracks is illegal and there are some things to consider. For more on this, see this article: https://contrastly.com/railroad-photography/ 

Place to shoot 

Freestone Park: 1045 E Juniper Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85234 

Freestone is a large park at Juniper and Lindsay. There are several neat elements at Freestone for photographers including a wooden bridge, water features, established pine trees, hills, bougainvillea, and lakes. It is a busy park where people fish, play sports, attend the amusement rides for kids, and go to the playgrounds. I like Freestone because it is easy to get to and usually easy to get good backgrounds, especially if you have patience.  

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch: 2757 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234 

The Riparian is a wonderful place to create portraits although sometimes the wildlife here can be extreme. I have been caught under a swarm of bees and chased by angry ducks. There is no shortage of nature at the Riparian. You will see bunnies and birds and maybe turtles too. The Riparian is a large area where, if you aren’t too attached to which backgrounds you want, you can create a lot of beautiful images here. The elements here include a colorful concrete wall, a cactus garden, some waterfalls, water sources, lots of trees, some of which flower, and various trails with trees arching over them. 

Downtown Gilbert: Gilbert Road (between Elliot and Guadalupe) 

Downtown Gilbert has a variety of awesome elements for photography: murals, diverse architecture, different textures, a variety of colors, and an exciting vibe. You can find brick, corrugated metal, white arches, stairwells, fountains, and even a few grassy areas. I recommend exploring a bit before having your session because there are a lot of great spots and if you don’t mind the time you might run out of good light. Veteran’s Park: 70 W Park Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85233, just south of the railroad tracks is a great spot for a few shots as well – you can capture the water tower in the background for some fun truly Gilbert themed shots. 

These are just a few of the hot spots to create great captures in and around Gilbert. No matter where you shoot: look for great light, avoid high traffic times, and consider new vantage points. Most important, stay safe and have fun! 

 Elaine Kessler Photography. Various dates. https://www.elainekesslerphotography.com 

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This scavenger hunt involves the many and fun art features in the Heritage District of Gilbert.  

Hint: Check out the articles detailing the aesthetic elements in HD South’s blog section. 

Find 15 of these aesthetic elements (total 29) in any combination, in downtown Gilbert.  

Write down the descriptions and/or show photos of yourself at these sites for a PRIZE redeemable during open hours at HD South, 10 S. Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296. 

1) Creatively painted fiberglass bench(es) (total of 4 benches at time of publication) 

2) Kugel ball/fountain 

3) Water tower 

4) Mural(s) (total of 13 murals at the time of publication) 

5) The water feature where this quote lives: “Thousands have lived without love, none without water.” W.H. Auden 

6) The water feature with stepping stones 

7) The sparkling “water” blue glass pathway 

8) The “hay” in the pavement 

9) The “cotton” in the pavement 

10) The clock tower 

11) The water feature/s that flank both sides of Gilbert Rd 

12) The theatre  

13) The art gallery 

14) “Roadside architecture” 

15) The arts and culture center, home of the Gilbert Historical Museum 

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Elaine Kessler

We are at the final stop on our Art Tour through the Heritage District. We have explored 27 distinct spots in downtown Gilbert that include water features, concrete etchings, murals, lights, and artistic furniture. In addition to art, we’ve discussed diversity, history, agriculture, water, and architecture. Arriving now to the pièce de résistance, the source of this online tour, is HD South, Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum.

HD South is the pioneer in Gilbert for a new approach to community building called Communities for All Ages that “intentionally brings diverse age groups together to address issues that affect people at all stages of life. Gilbert’s demographic make-up is ideally suited to the CFAA model, with 37% of the town’s population under 19 years of age, and 25% over 50 years old. By adopting the CFAA model, HD SOUTH aims to bring our community together to grow, learn, & play through the arts, culture, programs & history in one historic location in Gilbert, Arizona.”

Located at 10 S. Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296 on the SW corner of Gilbert and Elliot, HD South has diverse offerings including classes, presentations, a museum, events and more. Covering history, art, culture, well-being, genealogy, and a host of other interests, HD South is truly a hub for all topics community related and people driven. To discover more about the community and about who you are in the community, be sure to visit HD South. For more information, visit: https://hdsouth.org

I hope that this “tour” helped you see not only the vital importance of art in our lives but the abundance of art in our downtown area. Art is everywhere – we must open our eyes and truly see the profound beauty all around us. There are incredible artistic features that have been incorporated into the functionality of the heritage district; take some time to notice and appreciate them. Acknowledging the arts can help us to better understand ourselves as a community and to enrich us culturally.

Kessler, Elaine. “Downtown Gilbert Features.” Elaine Kessler Photography. 2020. https://www.elainekesslerphotography.com

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Elaine Kessler

Stops 26 and 27 on this Art Tour are two incredible facilities that offer the community beautifully enriching experiences.

Hale Theatre Arizona offers musicals and plays and performance art classes. Art Intersection offers art exhibitions, workshops, and classes.

According to theatre professional Robert Ruffin, there is proof that there is a “beneficial impact of music, art, dance, and theatre on our physical health…The National Education Association identified the number one reason people attend arts events is to socialize with friends…Perhaps [the arts] exist to give us a significant dose of the socialization our body requires to function.”

HALE THEATRE ARIZONA

Located at 50 West Page Avenue, Gilbert, AZ 85233, Hale Theatre Arizona is part of the longest continuously running, privately owned and operated theatre company in America. According to their website, “The Hale Centre Theatre has been dedicated to providing our patrons with the finest theatrical experience possible in an atmosphere as intimate and friendly as their own homes. In doing so, we have always selected shows which reflect our promise to provide fun and affordable entertainment.” For more information, visit: https://haletheatrearizona.com/

ART INTERSECTION

Located at 207 N Gilbert Rd # 201, Gilbert, AZ 85234, Art Intersection “encourages creative individuals to take their work to the next level through programs and facilities in which they learn, create and exhibit. We embrace and promote the intersection of photography with related art forms as we foster imaginative and innovative approaches to serving our community in the pursuit of this vision.” According to their website, Art Intersection’s Mission is engaging “with our community through educational programs, creative work space, and exhibitions. Our community comprises individuals and organizations with a diverse range of photographic and artistic interests.” For more information, visit: https://artintersection.com

Kessler, Elaine. “Downtown Gilbert Features.” Elaine Kessler Photography. 2020. https://www.elainekesslerphotography.com

Ruffin, Robert. “We Need Theatre to Exist, and Maybe Research Can Prove Its Necessity.” HowlRound Theatre Commons. 26 June 2018. https://howlround.com/we-need-theatre-exist-and-maybe-research-can-prove-its-necessity

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Elaine Kessler 

“Roadside architecture consists of structures built to serve the motoring public. Generally associated with twentieth-century road development, the main types of roadscape resources are restaurants, automobile showrooms, recreation and amusement facilities, stores, specialized buildings and artifacts, overnight accommodations, and gas stations.”
Downtown Gilbert has its very own piece of roadside architecture. Created by well-known entrepreneur Joe Johnston, Topo is a gopher-shaped food stall serving burritos, street corn and soft serve ice cream. Topo is a 7-foot-tall rodent made of Styrofoam and steel that sits on top of a small box shaped building.
According to writer Lauren Saria, “Topo appeals to a sense of nostalgia. Johnston envisions it as a modern roadside attraction, the kind that became popular during the early and mid-1900s as Americans began crisscrossing the country by car.”

Find Stop 25, Topo, at 301 N Gilbert Rd bldg 2, Gilbert, AZ 85234.

Kessler, Elaine. “Downtown Gilbert Features.” Elaine Kessler Photography. 2020. https://www.elainekesslerphotography.com

Sharp, Leslie N. “Roadside Architecture.” New Georgia Encyclopedia. 3 September 2019. Web. 30 June 2020. https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/arts-culture/roadside-architecture

Saria, Lauren. “What you need to know about Joe Johnston’s ‘weird’ new restaurant in Gilbert.” The Republic | azcentral.com. 13 March 2019. https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/dining/2019/03/06/new-restaurant-downtown-gilbert-gopher-topo-joe-johnston/2985397002/

Topo. “ICONIC TOPO.”https://www.topoarizona.com

Wishart, David J. “Roadside Architecture.” Encyclopedia of the Great Plains. 2011. http://plainshumanities.unl.edu/encyclopedia/doc/egp.arc.041.xml

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As a photographer, lighting and lines are everything. One might think that when the sun goes down, it is challenging to comprehend the power of great lighting. However, the magic of the art in the Heritage District is not just what can be seen during the day. At night, the downtown area literally lights up in captivating colors in dynamic and beautiful shapes. There are also compelling ideas behind some of the cool lines one can find just under foot. We will explore some of these shapes, lines, and lighting in this article. 

Stop 22 is Hearne Plaza which can be found at East Hearne Way and Gilbert Road. Hearne Plaza is a combined event space and enhanced streetscape. It is characterized by round lighting fixtures and sandblasted cotton shapes in the concrete under foot. 

According to a document called the Transportation Improvements Project, the design team developed an aesthetic concept rooted in Gilbert’s history: “In honor of Gilbert’s agricultural history and the importance of the Town’s cotton production to the State…the design team replicated the agricultural history through use of sandblasted concrete into the roadway and sidewalk. Giant rings of catenary lighting hover over the roadway to provide an enhanced visual effect.”    

From Hearne Plaza you can also see the novel neon light signs (Stop 23) just west of the plaza along Gilbert Road. 

If you travel one street south to E Vaughn Ave you will discover another homage to Gilbert’s agricultural history where lines mimicking strands of hay are sandblasted into the sidewalk (Stop 24). Don’t forget that Gilbert was considered the Hay Shipping Capital of the world! 

And while on the topic of lighting and because it is always makes for stunning images, here is a shot of the Gilbert Water Tower lit up for Pride! 

Gilbert, Arizona. Transportation Improvements Project. Heritage District, 2020. 

Kessler, Elaine. “Downtown Gilbert Features.” Elaine Kessler Photography. 2020. https://www.elainekesslerphotography.com 

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Elaine Kessler

As we wrap up this part of the “tour” on murals, keep in mind the long-lasting effects of art in communities. Art reflects the people and their past and can be a beacon for what the future might bring. The last two murals to be highlighted are popular ones. Stop 20 is at The Art House Gilbert, located at 36 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234 – on the west side of Gilbert Rd, north of Elliot.

Owned by Gilbert resident Valerie McKiernan, The Art House website says that she:

wanted a space for creativity and art to come together in a pleasing and on trend environment where people could come and gather to make memories and have a great time…My hopes are for The Art House to flourish and be a place for young and old to enjoy themselves and make lasting memories right here in the heart of Gilbert.

This mural gets a ton of traction with the locals. And one can see why – its simple and current message evokes pride and reflects the locale in a fun, stylish way.

Stop 21 is the mural at our very own HD South, created as a project for the Gilbert Leadership Program. Dani Kahn, a member of the class that created it and an incredible artist in our community, describes it more in detail below. She said that “over 30 kids helped fill in all the colors over the course of 5 hours!”

1) What is the importance of a mural?

The HD South mural depicts simplified historical symbols relevant to the growth of Gilbert. Each section of the wall is dedicated to the technological advancements Gilbert took to become the thriving town it is today. While the mural does not directly answer questions, it leaves an impression on those who pass. It’s to spark conversation about: “What does a train depot have to do with the Town?” “Who was Bobby Gilbert?” “Why was Gilbert called the Hay Shipping Capital of the World?”

2) Why did you/your group choose the elements to include that you did?

Gilbert, Arizona has a rich history of building something from nothing. Our goal was to show where and what Gilbert grew from to now, 2020. The mural features hay, cotton, horses, a representation of the first Train Station, the train, Liberty Market (the first super market), the thriving foodie culture in the Heritage District, the iconic Water Tower, our state bird and flower, the air plane field, and the Gilbert Leadership class seal. All these symbols make up what Gilbert is today and will continue to grow upon.

3) What impact do you think your mural has on the community?

The mural draws attention to the museum that is commonly overlooked on that busy street corner of Gilbert and Elliot. Many museum goers enjoy a contemporary, simplified look at the Gilbert History before entering the museum of priceless antiques and timeless, complex, classical art.

4) What other murals, depicting what content, would you love to see in Gilbert?

I would love to see more murals accentuating the hard-working farmers of the past who lived in Gilbert during the early 1900’s. There is an element of the American dream that Gilbert exploded from. Determination, immense discipline, and strong moral values. I believe showing more of the original families in murals and glorifying their names would show the newer residents that they are only experiencing and living in this vibrant community because of these tenacious people.

Research is showing that murals have many benefits for a community including positive impacts on people’s mental health as well as social, cultural, and economic boosts for the people in the area. Check out the several murals in the Heritage District and consider what impact they have on your life here in the valley. If you are a resident or work in Gilbert, take stock of how the murals reflect our history and pull us into the future with beauty, compassion, and fortitude. Murals are gifts to the community – to help us remember where we came from and to remind us of our strength moving forward.

Community Rejuvenation Project – A Pavement to Policy Mural Arts Organization. “Benefits of Murals.” https://crpbayarea.org/painting/benefits-of-murals/

Kahn, Dani. “Re: Article Insight.” Message to Elaine Kessler. 14 May 2020. E-mail.

Kessler, Elaine. “Downtown Gilbert Murals.” Elaine Kessler Photography. 2020. https://www.elainekesslerphotography.com

The Art House Gilbert. “Owner.” 31 January 2017. http://arthousegilbert.com/about/owner/

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Elaine Kessler 

Murals are a compelling way to commemorate space, place, and time in a unique and far–reaching way. Making our way south on Gilbert Road, you’ll find this mural on the south facing wall of the American Legion Post 39 at 206 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234 (which is on the west side of the road). This mural was created as one of the class projects for the Gilbert Leadership program. Depicting a moment earlier in time for the town, this is a nostalgic art piece reminding the community of its history.

Just a bit further south on Gilbert Road, this time on the east side, there is this beautiful and thoughtful mural, found on the wall of Casa de Gilbert that faces north toward the Gilbert Chamber. 

I reached out to Arizona native Kendall Faber, the muralist. Kendall is “inspired most by the wild & bohemian nature of the southwest.” According to her website, “Kendall Yvonne has now evolved into a print shop & art studio specializing in botanical art & design.” 

I posed a few questions to Kendall about the Casa de Gilbert mural and here’s what she had to say: 

1) What is the importance of a mural? 

I think murals are important largely because they have the ability to be a voice of the community and show a bit of its personality and energy to visitors. If done thoughtfully, they can almost be a way to say “Welcome! Here’s what we’re about!” By the same token, I think they can become a familiar and cherished landmark for the people who live there, a snapshot that can bring the comfort and warmth of home whenever you walk or drive by. Of course, as a muralist, you do feel that pressure that this is an opportunity to convey something important and meaningful that will really resonate with everyone. 

2) Why/How did you/your group choose which elements to include? 

The McKiernans (the owners of Casa de Gilbert) and I knew we wanted a fun combination between modern and vintage, much like Casa de Gilbert and our little downtown. We also wanted to showcase the desert we all love so much so that’s how we landed on the cacti silhouettes with the bold retro font. I proposed the quote because I felt like it was so simple while being comforting and motivational. “You are right where you are supposed to be” speaks both to a sense of place–Gilbert, Arizona–as well as this moment/period in your life, so it’s up for interpretation. Either way, I just wanted people to feel a sense of peace and contentment whenever they see it, in whatever way they need. 

3) What impact do you think your mural has on the community? 

For one, I think the response has been greater than I ever could have anticipated, and I truly feel so humbled every day to have had the opportunity to give something like this to my community. But I think what I love seeing, whether that’s through Instagram or even while I’m across the street teaching at The Art House, is that it just makes people pause. They make U-turns or stop on their way to wherever they’re going and maybe take a picture, but often they also seem to spend some time just hanging out there, reflecting on the words. Through social media I’ve seen so many pictures along with people sharing their life stories and how the mural made them feel. I’ve definitely cried on multiple occasions reading them! They’re so special to me and I love that it’s given people the excuse to just slow down and be with themselves even for a minute. 

Follow Kendall on instagram:  @kendall_yvonne 

Faber, Kendall. “About.” Kendall Yvonne Botanical Art + Design. https://www.kendallyvonne.com/about 

Faber, Kendall. “Murals in DT Gilbert.” Message to Elaine Kessler. 14 May 2020. E-mail.   

Kessler, Elaine. “Downtown Gilbert Murals.” Elaine Kessler Photography. 2020. https://www.elainekesslerphotography.com  

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Elaine Kessler  

Murals are an engaging and vivid way to spark curiosity about a community’s priorities and its interests. They can inspire people to learn more about the community and its leaders. They can also awaken people to perspectives they perhaps haven’t had the opportunity yet to explore.  

Mary Ellen Fresquez, a longtime community leader and arts and diversity advocate for the town, is the owner of the building on which the following mural is currently being painted. It is not yet complete but from its amazing beginning one can tell that it is both powerful and empowering. The award-winning artist is Edgar Fernandez. Fernandez is an experienced Xicano muralist who has painted many murals and has had multiple group and solo shows in the Phoenix area for the last 10 years.  He has a BFA in painting from ASU. You can learn more about him through instagram.com/8ahau. 

Just south of Joe’s Real BBQ is this beautiful vision. Mary Ellen is very excited about this mural, as am I, and in email correspondence told me, “I’ve wanted to do this for my community for a very long time. 

Fernandez, the muralist, quotes Mary Ellen when asked about the importance of this mural: “The importance of this mural is to show resilience and diversity. ‘I’d like viewers to see a reflection of themselves flourishing and connecting within an inclusive and multicultural community.’ “ 

Edgar continues: 

We choose the five women of color to be an example of strength and unity. The raven bird is a symbol of guidance. The quote is from a song that reminds the woman who commissioned me of her mother.

The impact this mural will bring to this community is tied to bringing visibility to women of color, ultimately respecting the value of their presence in society.

I would appreciate more murals that represent women of color as strong and influential members of this community. I would love to see murals the tell the story of the indigenous people of this land. 

Mary Ellen writes:
 

I have always wanted to have visitors to Downtown experience a more diverse sense of inclusivity, and I know of no better way of doing this than to showcase young Latinas/women of color. They reflect empowerment, resilience, beauty, creativity and honor. 

When finished (early July), the mural will have a dimensional background and include text from a traditional Mexican song.  

My mural focuses on women of color, but other important topics include police brutality, community engagement, role models, women empowerment, LGBTQI, Our Lady of Guadalupe, etc. 

My hope is that this mural will make people more accepting of a demographic that is a tiny minority in Gilbert. 

Mary Ellen’s mural is an inspiring example of what’s possible to both acknowledge and honor Latinas and women of color. The contributions made to our community by women of color are important. Her effort to highlight these contributions through a bold and stunning mural is an incredible testament to the strength of the diversity in our community.  

Fernandez, Edgar. Message to Elaine Kessler. 18 June 2020. Instagram. 

Fresquez, Mary Ellen. “Murals.” Message to Elaine Kessler. 5 June 2020. E-mail.  

Kessler, Elaine. “Downtown Gilbert Murals.” Elaine Kessler Photography. 2020. https://www.elainekesslerphotography.com 

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