Cathers , features colorful flowers on a black background painted on the back of Tempo Kitchen & Bar . The second is a nature-inspired mural located between Tempo and the Capos Event Center and painted by youths mentored by artist Charly Malpass . The third , on the back of Downtown Furniture , is a collaboration between 10 local youths mentored by Gilroy non-profit group MANOS , Mexican American Nurtured Opportunity Services . The last portion of the project , spearheaded by Reynisson and slated to be finished in 2024 , will include three recessed murals on the back of the Capos Event Center painted by several artists . Cathers , who has painted more than 20 murals throughout Gilroy , including the murals at the Veterans Hall and Gilroy Library , and smaller ones on utility boxes , said she ’ s excited to see new ones being added to Railroad Alley .

“ Anything to bring attention to a blighted area and make it less frightening , if that ’ s the right word , and to bring people down there for a reason . And if they ’ re coming down to look at the artwork all the better ,” she said .

“ When I look at a town that has public art , it ’ s a town that ’ s very proud of itself . It shows city pride ,” said Cindy Blanton , a Morgan Hill Library , Culture and Arts Commissioner .

The city ’ s newest murals include a large Oak tree on the back wall of the gazebo at the Community Park painted by the Leadership Morgan Hill Class of 2023 , landscapes of California on the restroom building of the Magical Bridge playground painted by artist Taylor Gallegos , a contemporary mural at Galvan Park painted by artist Jennifer Blalack and community volunteers , and a landscape painted on the back of the Welcome to Morgan Hill sign by the Leadership Morgan Hill Class of 2022 .

MAIN IMAGE : the iconic " Garlic Capital of the World " mural in downtown Gilroy by Italian artist Gianni Martino , inspired by Martin Robertson . TOP RIGHT : Leadership Morgan Hill Class of 2023 mural by local artist Lina Velasquez at Magical Bridge Park . ABOVE : " Frida in Cactus " mural by Francisco Franco on the patio at Chacho ' s Restaurant in Morgan Hill .

Blanton and Morgan Hill Library , Culture and Arts Commissioner Suman Ganapathy agree murals in Morgan Hill are both welcoming and thought-provoking . “ We think art is something that should be transformative , and makes you think hopefully in a positive way ,” Ganapathy said . ( Continued ...)

gmhtoday . com gmhTODAY Magazine : Go . Make history ... FALL 2023 61