Local visual artist Alex Paul Loza will showcase a new mural inspired by the diversity within the Latino/Hispanic community of Chattanooga. The mural unveiling is Sunday, Sept. 16, at 3 p.m. on the pedestrian walkway of Carniceria Loa prime location, 1500 Broad St.
This mural, Dreaming Forward/Soñando, is part of Arts Build Equity in the Arts grant program to integrate public diverse art into community space. The 40’x 11’ mural will celebrate the Indigenous, African, European and Asian influences in the Latino culture depicted in large figures of children, the city’s present and future. The mural imagery is made with a colorful palette with indigenous textiles as the children aspire to dream of their future.
"One of the great values of Alex Paul Loza’s mural project, is the opportunity for our community to celebrate a cultural group in Chattanooga that hasn’t been recognized," said Rodney Van Valkenburg, director of Grants and Initiatives from Arts Build. "The infusion of Loza’s Peruvian heritage and background enriches his murals. He is an arts educator and has been extremely accessible to the community by providing artist talks and demonstrations. It is also important to recognize that the quality of his artwork is exceptional.”
"As a Latino and visual artist, I felt compelled to create a public artwork in which Chattanooga’s Latino community, specifically our children, can see themselves as part of the community and find inspiration as we all help pave the path for their future," said Mr. Loza. "This mural can serve as a talking point by connecting cultural heritage to contemporary life as it beautifies our neighborhood, increase residential empowerment and teach equity.”
The event will include a speaking program by Mr. Loza, Mr. Valkenburg, and the inauguration of the mural. This free event is family friendly and open to the public.
Mr. Loza is a visual artist based in Chattanooga with his heart for social advocacy and a deep appreciation of figurative narrative art. He received his BFA from the American Academy of Art in Chicago (2001). With more than 15 years of experience, Mr. Loza has been commissioned to paint portraits for private collectors throughout North and Latin America. He has lead, created and collaborated with national muralists in several public art projects in Chicago and Chattanooga. Learn more at alexpaulloza.com.