About the banner artwork

THE MURAL PROCESS: 
The mural entitled 'Rising,' featured in the banner at the top of this webpage, is inspired by the experiences of incarcerated men at Elmwood Correctional Facility and formerly incarcerated men living in South County. The purpose of the art exhibit is to shine light upon these men by providing a platform for their voices to be heard, so that they may share their lived experiences and inspire others to heal by turning pain into transformation through art. The theme of the men’s mural project is centered around exploring experiences with fatherhood - as a father and/or with their own fathers. 

'Rising' is sponsored by Carry the Vision, the County of Santa Clara Office of Diversion and Reentry Services, the County of Santa Clara Office of the Sheriff, and the Gilroy Center for the Arts. The artists participated in Carry the Vision’s Living on Purpose Program, which teaches universal life skills for realizing inner awareness through leadership development, restorative circles, deep listening exercises, journaling, meditation, and art. We believe that individual healing is integral to social transformation.

Questions posed to mural participants and to community members at an art reception for the mural at Gilroy Center for the Arts: 

What are the factors that take away from a child growing up and thriving with confidence, resiliency, and kindness?

What is required of each of us to ensure that children thrive?


ABOUT THE MURALIST, ROLANDO BARRON: 
Rolando Barron was born, raised, and educated in California. Rolando is a graduate of Monterey Bay University, were he earned a bachelor's degree in communications studies with a double concentration in historic studies and legal studies. Rolando is a dedicated artist, with a passion for employing his creative and academic discipline to effectively utilize multimedia art to communicate information. Rolando has been a consistent practitioner of art from primary school to the present day. With more than 20 years of experience in the creative field, his artwork has been exhibited globally via various mediums and platforms. For over a decade his artwork has been featured at the Burning Man project where he continues to actively contribute and participate. In addition to producing artwork, he has also been employed as art coordinator for contemporary music and art festivals in California. As an art coordinator Rolando has curated exhibitions and interactive art installations, developing and mobilizing a roster of talented artists. Rolando’s goal is to curate an experience that goes beyond the traditional gallery setting by creating modern interactive art installations using art and technology to connect and communicate with patrons.