Precita Eyes Muralists is currently organizing a joint community mural project in Saint Petersburg, Russia, for the city's 300th Anniversary Celebration. The mural project will be designed and painted by a team of lead artists from Saint Petersburg, Moscow, and San Francisco, in collaboration with a Children's Art Center community where the mural will be painted. The mural project will encourage an exchange of ideas, creativity, and international community building. Suggested themes include historical and cultural heritage, representation of the children at the Arts Center, and their dreams and hopes for the future.

This monumental mural project will build on earlier mural collaborations, which occurred in 1990, 1993, and 1997 in both Russia and the United States. Over the past decade Russian and American artists have become acquainted with and familiar with each other. Artists shared ideas, artwork, and stories and collaboratively created monumental murals, which were accessible to the public both to participate in and enjoy. This cross-cultural collaboration has been so successful in the past that there is a sustained interest in developing future projects and strengthening bonds, which have already been established.

Representatives from Precita Eyes Muralists will depart from San Francisco for St. Petersburg on June 18, 2003, and are currently trying to raise $5,000 to cover the cost of artists' supplies and scaffolding for the four-story building. Any donation to help support this monumental project would be greatly appreciated. Contributions are tax deductible and can be sent payable to Precita Eyes Muralists, 2981 24th St., SF, CA, 94110, or call Susan Cervantes @ (415) 285-2287.

The people of Mission Dolores have selected Precita Eyes Muralists as the recipient of the La Paz Y Bien Award for 2003. The name of the award comes from the Franciscan community that founded the Mission Dolores in 1776. This motto means Peace and All Good. The award was established to honor those individuals or organizations that have contributed to building a community of peace and good through the arts. The award is traditionally given at the Birthday of San Francisco celebrations. This year the event will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2003 at the Old Mission.

As a community-based, non-profit mural arts organization, Precita Eyes Muralists educate communities about the process and history of public, community mural art. For example, Precita Eyes Muralists recently guided the seniors of the On Lok 30th St. Center through a participatory process involving all aspects of the design and creation of a mural. The project benefited the seniors who created the mural, the local community, and the nearly 3,700 seniors who use the garden each year. The mural, titled “Millennium Mural,” is along the 90-foot wall facing the half-acre garden behind the center.

If you are interested in contributing to Precita Eyes Muralists community arts programs, please send your donations payable to Precita Eyes Muralists La Paz y Bien, 2981 24th St., SF, CA, 94110, or call Susan Cervantes @ (415) 285-2287.