By Kelly Barbazette

new surge of colorful murals is adorning the

and Morgan Hill .

The bright bursts of paint depicting various scenes not only beautify our surroundings , but also help build community , said artist Melanie Reynisson , chair of the Gilroy Arts and Culture Commission and a board member of the Gilroy Downtown Business Association .

“ I think to have something visually impactful , it just brings life to a space ,” Reynisson said . “ And a lot of these murals have been collaborative , so they bring a sense of community . A lot of them have involved youths , so it ’ s engaging by supporting the next generation of artists . And it ’ s long lasting . Our community can take pride in them over the years .”

Among the new murals in downtown Gilroy include a giant American flag emblazoned on the Gilroy Veterans Hall , an eclectic mural on the 6th Street Studios & Art Center painted by artist Armando Franco and local students , and a flower-filled mural

on the rear of the pink Neon Exchange building in Gourmet Alley painted by Gilroy artist Whitney Pintello and volunteers .

The newest mural project , dubbed Gallery on the Alley , isn ’ t visible from Monterey Road , but rather Railroad Alley , a gateway to Gilroy for cars from the east and train commuters .

Reynisson said the alleyway , a space that is typically ignored , is being treated to a major facelift thanks to the efforts of local artists , Gilroy City Council member Carol Marques , and a state grant designated to spruce up Railroad and Gourmet alleys .

When completed next year , it will include four eye-catching murals stretching across downtown buildings between Lewis and Fifth streets . The larger-than-life murals are designed to be visually impactful , Reynisson said .

“ We wanted to create something where you would say , ‘ That ’ s cool . I want to see what this is about ,’” she said .

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