IF Studios
The Art of ilena finocchi
The Art of ilena finocchi
Tracy mural
The Arts Feed the Soul on the Long Road
The Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, Tracy, CA
In nature, the wolf and the crow can be frequently found in each other’s company. They have been linked together in play and in foraging for food. The crows fly ahead of the wolf pack to locate food, and the grateful wolves leave behind food for the crows. This symbiotic relationship between the two species is mutually beneficial.
While paying homage to the graphic and fun styles of street art, this symbolism in the mural is used as a metaphor for the arts as a source of nourishment for the community. In the years prior to the Grand opening, and during its eight year establishment as the cultural gem of Tracy, the crows and the wolves have assumed different roles.
In developing the Grand, citizens and civic leaders looked a more than a decade into the future to see the community's needs and goals. They, much like the crow, flew years ahead and decided that reviving the arts at the Grand was the cultural nourishment that Tracy needed. They raised money and awareness to rebuild and reopen the Grand as the creative hub for the City of Tracy. The wolves soon followed and the Grand reopened with support of the community.
Since opening, there have been many hard working crow-like staff members who have had the foresight to keep the Grand evolving with the changing needs of the wolf-like hungry community. The mural is a way for me as an artist to assume the role of the crow and through the art let the community know about the dedication and hard work of the staff at the Grand. The Grand has become a positive and powerful force in the community, not only in participation in the arts, but also as a cultural jewel to draw new businesses and corporations into town.
The mural is a celebration of the long road of hard work and the driving force of the arts and its positive impact on the community.
While paying homage to the graphic and fun styles of street art, this symbolism in the mural is used as a metaphor for the arts as a source of nourishment for the community. In the years prior to the Grand opening, and during its eight year establishment as the cultural gem of Tracy, the crows and the wolves have assumed different roles.
In developing the Grand, citizens and civic leaders looked a more than a decade into the future to see the community's needs and goals. They, much like the crow, flew years ahead and decided that reviving the arts at the Grand was the cultural nourishment that Tracy needed. They raised money and awareness to rebuild and reopen the Grand as the creative hub for the City of Tracy. The wolves soon followed and the Grand reopened with support of the community.
Since opening, there have been many hard working crow-like staff members who have had the foresight to keep the Grand evolving with the changing needs of the wolf-like hungry community. The mural is a way for me as an artist to assume the role of the crow and through the art let the community know about the dedication and hard work of the staff at the Grand. The Grand has become a positive and powerful force in the community, not only in participation in the arts, but also as a cultural jewel to draw new businesses and corporations into town.
The mural is a celebration of the long road of hard work and the driving force of the arts and its positive impact on the community.
2 day project completed during The Grand's Art Walk
Visitor of the Grand's Art Walk could watch and talk to the artist while more for the mural was being complete. Stickers and temporary tattoos were handed out to guests. Prizes were given by a random drawing for sharing on social media.
ilena finocchi
Stockton, CA, USA
© Ilena Finocchi 2023, all rights reserved