It’s hard to miss the six-story blue portrait mural in downtown Stockton, which can be seen behind the former The Record building from Highway 4.
Just like this iconic mural, new artists will soon have the opportunity to share their talent with the rest of the community by creating original artwork for Stockton.
Stockton Arts Commission (SAC) is accepting applications from artists and artists teams to apply for its Public Art Mural Program. Artists will design and paint original artwork on city-owned property through the mural program, city spokeswoman Connie Cochran stated in an email.
The goal of the program is to “enhance public spaces, roadways, and gateways by creating inspirational and universally enjoyable art,” The Public Art Mural Program Guidelines packet states online. “It seeks to raise awareness of the city’s diverse environment and users while maintaining aesthetic quality.”
There is $50,000 available for artist(s) to complete a mural project, city officials said.
Some of the potential city-owned opportunity sites for artists to display their art are: Adventist Health Arena, Bob Hope Theater, Utility Box, and several parking garages.
This is not the first time the city will see murals representing Stockton.
![20180403
Jasmine Dellafosse is the subject of the new mural by New Orleans artist Brandan Odums on the rear of the Main Street Manor apartment building which faces the Team Charter school playground on Market and Stanislaus Street in downtown Stockton.
[CLIFFORD OTO/THE RECORD]
Transmission Reference: REC1804031845420935](/gcdn/presto/2021/03/01/NRCD/82b76e95-7cda-4089-acc2-41da8d54d4ff-JASMINEMURAL_005A_12841362.JPG?width=660&height=421&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Iconic murals in Stockton
In downtown Stockton, residents and visitors can view a six-story blue mural of JasmineDellafosse, completed in 2018.
The Stockton native is a local community organizer.
“She’s one of the most, if not the most, talented organizers in the city,” Former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs told The Record in 2018. “She’s selfless, super smart and has a servant’s heart. I truly believe she embodies the best of Stockton.”
The mural was painted by New Orleans artist Brandan Odums.
“I’m such a private person,” Dellafosse told The Record in 2018. “I’m very humbled and honored, but it’s incredible, a young person of color who really loves Stockton.”
The mural was one of three murals produced in downtown Stockton by three different artists: Kia Duras, Odumus and Parisian street artist Astro. Street Art Anarchy led the project with financial help from the Economic Security Project, which funded the Stockton experiment.
“Through their art, the artists were able to inspire a new sense of energy and hope, bringing the city’s historically diverse and segregated communities together to engage around this innovative initiative,” Street Art Anarchy stated in an Instagram post in 2021.
Artists looking to create work just as iconic could soon be part of Stockton’s history through art around the city.
All program applications must be completed and submitted by 5 p.m. on March 8. The artist or artists selected will receive a notification of funding in May.
If you have any questions regarding the Public Art Mural Program contact Ben Keisic, recreation manager via e-mail at benjamin.keisic@stocktonca.gov or call (209)937-8285.
Record reporter Angelaydet Rocha covers community news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at arocha@recordnet.com or on Twitter @AngelaydetRocha. To support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.