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21st Tapestry

Franklin Neighborhood Development Corporation

City of Sacramento

Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

2023

Community Mural

Man with backpack walking in front of colorful mural of pink and yellow face.

Franklin Neighborhood Development Corporation

City of Sacramento

Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

2023

Community Mural

Community murals are distinguished from other mural types because they include community collaboration and input in all phases of the project.

 

"21st Tapestry" is a community mural representing an embroidered “story cloth” gateway between the North City Farms and South Oak Park neighborhoods specifically engaging children’s imaginations using cultural imagery and symbolism."

The mural project's objective is to help create a more welcoming environment along a key walking route between South Oak Park, North City Farms, and the Franklin District, and to and from Ethel Phillips Elementary School, and to help reconnect these neighborhoods that were cut off by the construction of Highway 99 in the 1960s.

The mural was commissioned by the Franklin Neighborhood Development Corporation (FNDC) and is the first phase of the 21st Avenue Beautification Project, a partnership with the City of Sacramento. This mural is supported by Clean California grant funding from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).

About

Project Press

6 minute artist talk describing the design process behind the 21st ave underpass mural.

Artist Talk

21st Tapestry

March 7, 2023

21st Tapestry and Clean CA grant article highlighting community paint day.

21st Ave Paint Day

Sacramento Bee

July 9, 2023

News interview on site at the underpass describing the project.

With Ashley Williams

Good Day Sacramento

June 19, 2023

Evening news coverage showcasing the 21st Tapestry underpass mural and our community paint day.

21st Ave Paint Day

KCRA 3

July 9, 2023

Interview describing the 21st Tapestry mural project's community paint day.

With Vicki Gonzalez

Cap Radio / Insight

June 27, 2023

Instagram short story by Cap Radio's Andrew Nixon.

With Andrew Nixon

Cap Radio

July 3, 2023

Uli: In this episode we talk about her origin story, becoming a mural queen and rolling with the universe!

With Uli Smith

Talk Arty To Me Podcast

September 5, 2023

Community Paint Day

On Saturday, music added to the bright atmosphere, pouring out of the 21st Avenue underpass as community members poured in — biking, walking and pushing strollers onto the closed-off street to participate in a community painting event and leave their mark on the neighborhood’s newest mural.

- Sonora Slater, Sacramento Bee

Read the article

One of the most rewarding parts of working with the community on a mural project is hosting a “community paint day” where members of the community can actively participate in the mural process through a paint-by-number format directly on the wall.  I consider this participation integral in the community mural process because it creates a physical personal connection.

Countless hours of behind-the-scenes work to make this project a reality: HUGE shout out to Franklin Neighborhood Development Corporation: Sharon, Kendra, Lilliana, Josilyn, and Mike

City of Sacramento, specifically Office of Arts and Culture and especially Donald Gensler (thank you for all the time put in behind-the-scenes)

Caltrans and the Clean CA Initiative

Mark & Michelle at Remarkable Refinishings and Alvaro and Ismael at Manix Auto Repair - thank you for allowing us to use your spaces for materials and lift storage.

Pastor Larry Meeks and Williams Memorial Church, thank you for welcoming me and allowing me to be inspired by your stories and spirit. 

Our Community Paint Day was a success because of support and donations.  Massive gratitude goes out to:

District 5 Councilwoman Caity Maple and her team

Phil Serna

SMUD

Franklin Boulevard Business Association

Behr Buddy Robbie and Home Depot Truxel

Special Thanks