As an artist and community leader, I’ve always believed in the transformative power of art. Art has a unique ability to reflect the soul of a community, inspire new perspectives, and bring people together. Over the past few years, I’ve had the incredible privilege of working with Pomona’s **Art in Public Places (AIPP) program**, a project that has allowed me to leave a lasting impact on our community while celebrating creativity, culture, and kindness.
What is the AIPP?
The AIPP (Art in Public Places) is a forward-thinking initiative that seeks to enrich public spaces throughout Pomona with vibrant, meaningful art. This program commissions artists like myself to create murals, sculptures, and other art installations that speak to the heart of our city. These artworks are more than just visual enhancements; they tell stories, honor history, and highlight the cultural diversity that makes Pomona so special.
My Role in the AIPP
My journey with the AIPP began as an opportunity to give back to the community I’ve called home for most of my life. As a proud resident of Pomona, I wanted to use my artistic skills to create something that resonated with our city’s history, values, and future. Over time, I’ve been fortunate to contribute several pieces through the AIPP program, each rooted in a message of hope, community, and empowerment.
One of the standout projects was the mural at **Philadelphia Park**, where I designed two complementary murals that reflect both our local spirit and broader universal themes. The mural dedicated to the **Goddess Pomona** facing east celebrates feminine strength and the promise of new beginnings, while the second mural near the park’s entrance depicts an astronaut during a rare planetary alignment—a tribute to exploration, dreams, and a young local hero. Both pieces tell a story of possibility, resilience, and growth.
In addition to murals, I have also been involved in projects that uplift voices in our community. Through stencils and creative designs, I’ve worked on smaller, interactive art projects that highlight positive quotes and messages. These are scattered across Pomona’s parks, offering moments of reflection and inspiration to those who walk by. The **Pomona AIPP mural program** has truly allowed me to experiment with different art forms, sharing meaningful stories across various mediums.
Art as a Catalyst for Change
Art in public spaces does more than beautify—it educates, provokes thought, and encourages community engagement. Through my work with the AIPP, I’ve seen how public art can spark conversations about our shared history, our struggles, and our hopes for the future. It also has the power to bring people together, creating a shared experience that reflects our collective identity as Pomonans.
I’ve received feedback from community members who’ve said that these public art pieces bring joy to their daily routines or serve as reminders of the importance of kindness, hope, and unity. This connection with the community is exactly why I create art—it’s an invitation to explore, learn, and grow together.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, I’m excited to continue collaborating with the AIPP program and other local artists who share a vision for a more connected, creative community. Public art is an evolving conversation, and I believe that there’s much more to explore in how we use art to inspire positive social change, bridge gaps, and strengthen relationships within Pomona.
If you haven’t yet, I invite you to visit some of the murals and public art installations around town, and I encourage you to engage with the artwork—reflect on it, talk about it, and share it with others. After all, **art is a reflection of who we are** as a community, and through the AIPP program, we have the chance to make that reflection a beautiful one.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the AIPP initiative and embraced the power of public art in our city. Let’s continue to paint Pomona with stories that inspire, uplift, and unite!
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