Press
Explore stories and articles highlighting powerful murals and public art that blend social justice, cultural heritage, and environmental themes. Discover how creativity becomes a tool for activism, honoring women’s struggles, community resilience, and environmental justice through vibrant, large-scale works.
Articles
Meet Juana Alicia Araiza
Juana Alicia Araiza, a muralist, printmaker, and educator, discusses her artistic journey, shaped by activism and cultural heritage. She shares how her upbringing in Detroit and involvement in social movements influenced her work, leading to large-scale public art projects that address social justice issues. She reflects on the challenges of being a full-time artist and educator, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and passion. Through her art, she aims to inspire change and empower communities.
Photo by Alexa Treviño July 20th 2023
On Art, Activism, and Social Justice
Juana Alicia, a muralist, printmaker, educator, and activist, shares her journey from Detroit to becoming a leading voice in art and social justice. Influenced by Motown and African American art, she later joined the Chicano movement in California and worked with the United Farm Workers. She critiques societal systems that suppress creativity and sees her work as a way to inspire young artists to express themselves and develop their unique voices.
A faded neighborhood mural and its place in SF history
The 1985 mural “Para Las Rosas” by Juana Alicia Araiza on Treat Avenue in San Francisco’s Mission District celebrates local heritage and community ties. Featuring cultural icons, the mural embodies the neighborhood’s artistic spirit. Araiza now aims to restore it, preserving its historical and artistic significance amid ongoing urban change.
UC Santa Barbara Library, CEMA Collection
Juana Alicia, a Chicana muralist, printmaker, and educator, is known for her public artworks advocating social justice, human rights, and environmental awareness. Her murals, such as Sanctuary at San Francisco Airport and La Llorona’s Sacred Waters, reflect her commitment to activism through art. Based in Berkeley, she teaches at institutions like San Francisco State University and UC Davis.
Know Your Street Art: La Llorona’s Sacred Waters
Juana Alicia’s La Llorona’s Sacred Waters (2004) portrays women’s struggles for water rights, blending folklore and global protests. Using a blue-dominant palette to evoke loss and urgency, the mural highlights ongoing environmental and social issues.
Women’s Building muralists to release book for mural’s 25th anniversary
To mark the 25th anniversary of San Francisco’s Women’s Building mural, the MAESTRAPEACE collective is releasing a book celebrating their work. The mural, created by women artists, honors women of color and promotes feminist, intersectional themes. The book will include an essay by Angela Davis, reflecting on the mural’s impact.
These walls can talk
First-generation Salvadoran American Mauricio Ramirez finds voice, art, and inspiration in the murals of San Francisco’s Mission District.
Juana Alicia: a Case Study of the Artist as Critical Muralist
This study examines Juana Alicia’s work as a muralist, educator, and activist, focusing on her role in “critical muralism”—using murals to promote social awareness and education. It highlights her 2012 mural The Spiral Word as a key example, situating her art within Mexican and Chicano mural traditions. The research argues that Alicia’s murals function as critical pedagogy, addressing social justice, cultural identity, and historical awareness.
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