While in town to do laundry, we took the time to go to the Visitor’s Center and pick up a walking map and a Youth Mural Program Guide.
The Youth Mural Program should be held on a high pedestal for other communities to follow. The program engages young people and teaches them the history and culture of the region, which they translate into images used in the murals. Each mural is facilitated by a lead artist and assistant artists who have experience in large format work, unique style, and experience working with diverse populations.
First off, there are a lot of murals in downtown Silver City. I don’t mean a handful; the map shows over 30. We didn’t see them all this time, but after lunch and beers at Little Toad Brewery, we walked around to quite a few.
My favorite of the day was Dia De Los Muertos. Unfortunately we couldn’t get a proper picture of the whole thing because a car was parked in front. This one is on the side of the Silver City Museum and afterwards,we stopped inside to look around. It’s free to visit, although donations are accepted. A large section celebrates the life of the local labor activist and photographer Arturo Flores. The room features medals, letters, and photographs from throughout his life including during the 15-month Empire Zinc Strike, also known as the Salt of the Earth Strike.
Fiver separate mosaic murals cover the windows of the old Masonic Temple, telling local stories about the Apache leader Geronimo; Billy the Kid, who grew up here; the Mimbres people, who left behind their distinctive pottery; and the Chinese who made a home here as miners and later as shop owners.
At Western New Mexico University just up the hill from downtown, the murals continue, I liked the one on the side of Barnard Hall. This mural honors the Mexican Gray Wolf, the Mexican Spotted Owl, the Gila Trout, the Gila Mayfly, and the Narrow-headed Garter Snake. While up there, we walked by the library to see the cool tile mural of the book stacks and the trees.
I would definitely set some time aside to tour the art if/when you are ever in Silver City.
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