M. A. N. O. S. FOLKLORIC | SOWING SEEDS THROUGH LOVE AND ART
throughout the county, and currently has projects in the works, such as the restoration of the landmark“ La Piedra del Sol” mural, which Jimmy worked on 46 years ago, and a mural mentorship program for high school students where they’ re in charge of designing their own murals.
It is said that art is where innovation and the human soul meet. While Jimmy could never fathom doing what Mina does with Folklorico, and Mina could never have the patience to paint like Jimmy, both demonstrate the important role art plays in our lives. Jimmy’ s side teaches the value of being still, of thinking, reflecting, and communicating emotions and ideas in a way that transcends words. Mina’ s side teaches young people about the courage of being loud and proud, of unapologetic selfexpression rather than being silent and invisible.
when certain forces want them to be ashamed and isolated, and teaches that if they work hard and stay confident, good things will come.
Although Folklorico may be the front-facing, popular side of M. A. N. O. S., it doesn’ t make the work Jimmy is doing with M. A. N. O. S. Gilroy any less important. Once an at-risk youth himself, Jimmy owes a lot of gratitude to his parents for never
“ I always say even bad seeds will grow into a beautiful flower. Given the opportunity, the right soil, and sun, it’ s going to happen.”
— Jimmy Castaneda
giving up on him and always pushing him to achieve great things. Now he’ s paying it forward by mentoring at-risk youth and showing them they can create better futures for themselves the same way they create murals.“ I always say even bad seeds will grow into a beautiful flower. Given the opportunity, the right soil, and sun, it’ s going to happen,” Jimmy said. M. A. N. O. S. Gilroy is partnered with schools and agencies
In a world where young people can easily lose their way, M. A. N. O. S. Folklorico and M. A. N. O. S. Gilroy exist to encourage kids to live like the talented, glorious people they were meant to be. So the next time you see a new mural or Folklorico performance, remember that persistent love and encouragement create amazing things.
Images by Gilroy Morgan Hill TODAY
M. A. N. O. S.( Mexican American Nurtured Opportunities Services) is a Gilroy nonprofit born from a 1978 youth mural project that grew into a lasting commitment to community. Today, M. A. N. O. S. empowers youth and strengthens Gilroy through mentorship, cultural programming, public art, including several of downtown ' s murals, and the M. A. N. O. S. Folklorico dance school. They and host the annual Gilroy Chalk Fest in downtown Gilroy. To learn more or get involved, contact M. A. N. O. S. at: manosgilroy @ gmail. com. Follow M. A. N. O. S. on Instagram @ manosgilroy and on Facebook @ manosgilroy
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