Hijos Del Sol

Murals, since pre-hispanic times, has been an art for the people. Today, the mural
on our community portrays a dialogue between the era and its environment.
In them, the present is illustrated without trying to predict the future or futuristic
situations. At the same time, generations to come will take from them references
of their past.



Jose G.Ortiz is an illustrator, painter, sculptor, muralist, and Visual Art Director
for the Alisal Center for the Fine Arts. He is also the founder of the Hijos del Sol muralist movement. He received the Benefactor of the Arts Award from the Cultural Council of Monterey County in 1995.

He has been the curator for “ Mi casa es Tu Casa,” Day of the Dead art exhibit
for the Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery and Council since 1994. He was a Distinguished
Fellow for California State University Monterey Bay for the year 2000.

The Alisal Center for the Fine Arts offers arts programs to young people in the
Alisal community. Since it’s inception in 1987, the center has maintained a number
of arts and performance classes primarily for the young people the live in Salinas.
From mural painting, to traditional Mexican dance, to voice and singing lessons, the center’s mission is to provide cultural art and awareness to the community it
represents.

“The cause of the organization is wonderful,” said Orlando Castro, the center’s president and overseer of the event. “Our goal and mission is to bring art into young
people’s lives

…every student in the program is a life worth saving.

When the Salinas City Council decided to close it’s recreation centers in December
2004, the center has struggled to find a home. They are currently looking for funding
to build a center to house all the programs together.

“Right now, the school district has given use the opportunity to use Jesse Sanchez Elementary School for classes,” he said. I’m convinced that everything happens for
a reason,” Castro said. “We’re looking forward to continuing all we can to help with outreach and the youth. That’s my dream over here. “ A building where you can go
and get any art classes you want that day.”

contact: jgortizmural@hotmail.com