Pictured from left to right: Jennay (16), Erik (12), Juliette (14), Raul (15), Santi (14), Johnny (10). Not pictured: Elijah (18).

Meet the Muralists:

Ignacio Garcia

“Since 2003, I have been so grateful to be able to pursue my passion for creation in the Public Art world. Throughout my journey, I have had the pleasure to travel and work with talented artisans, inventors, and creative thinkers from all walks of life. These people have been pivotal in helping me hone my skills and expand my range of influence and style. With that, I work with many mediums, but, I specialize in and have a passion for graphic design, live performance art, canvas painting, graphic design, and large-scale building murals.

My craft thrives on emotional and physical reaction; I want to evoke a personal response. The research, reflection, and exploration of a topic that precede a finished piece of work are meant to invoke authentic, unpredictable, and organic responses from each member of the audience. As a child, it was clear that I saw the world through a unique and expansive perspective. I have always found it enjoyable and natural to distill and tease apart the shapes, forms, emotions, tones, lights, shadows, flaws, and fine points that compose the reality that stands before me. I subscribe to the notion that inspiration lies in the unexpected. When I offer my point of view, my work should challenge my audiences’ viewpoints and perspectives. That call to action is the common thread that runs through each of my creations. It is important that people connect, consider, and contemplate when they look at my painting and murals.

For this project, my goal l is us my experience to produce exquisite artwork that exceeds my clients’ expectations and delights the public. I would like to work with young artists and incorporate their talents and abilities into this project. Before any renderings are constructed, I talk to my client extensively, gather photographs, conduct site visits, and make observations. Once that foundation is in place, I and my team of artists can build a visual image that marries the clients’ wants and desires with what is possible for the Rillito River project. Through sharing and participation, The Arts Foundation, Pima County Flood Control, and my team can provide a space that all will love for years to come.”

Anitra “Yukue” Molina

Anitra Molina aka “Yukue” is an enrolled member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe from the small but resilient Town of Guadalupe, Arizona and raised on the culturally rich New Pascua Yaqui Reservation in Tucson, Arizona. The name “Yukue” is a nod to her strong cultural identity which means rain in the Yaqui language. As in what rain is to a parched desert is what art/graffiti is to her soul as an artist. Life cannot be sustained without water, the same way a soul cannot thrive without artistic connection. She is a self-taught acrylic painter, aerosol muralist, and budding graphic designer rooted in graffiti culture.

Working as an art teacher and collaborator for various Tribal Nations, Youth Programs and Museums has lead her to an active role as a youth advocate through aerosol/art demos, classes, and programs. Her aim is to build up children/people through creative learning and experiences with a strong foundation of self through art, connecting the dots one brush stroke or concept at a time. “Life is a canvas. Paint it however you please!”

Anitra believes that her artwork is composed of applied graffiti paint techniques, bright color palette, surreal pop with elements of neo folk art, nods to music sub genre’s and graffiti with an emphasis on expressing indigenous joy, attitude, and empowerment through sun-kissed cactus characters referred to as “Nopalitas.” Her characters “Siki Sewa,” “Saugo,” and “Taawe Tooth Taker” embody the landscape and soul of the Sonoran Desert, which serves not just as home, but as her muse. Her work reflects a deep admiration and spiritual connection to the lands and sky of the Sonoran Desert, Yaqui Tribal cultural essences, and symbolism with a dreamy and joyous Southwest kawaii twist with punk rock/heavy metal attitudes mixed into her paints.

We want to express our gratitude to the Sonoran Stitch Factory for being our host site and to the Pascua Yaqui Clubhouse for being such a great partner.