WATSONVILLE — A local muralist is inviting aspiring artists to come help transform a community park from a blank, graffiti-covered stretch of fences into a work of community art.
Everyone is invited to the third-annual Watsonville Community Mural Paint Day, scheduled for Saturday in Hazelwood Park at 297 Herman Ave. in Watsonville.
Organizer Paul De Worken has created more than 20 murals throughout Watsonville with the help of community members.
This includes the giant wall on the side of the Petroutsas Building at 347 Main St.
Community Mural Paint Day got its start at the community center on Davis Avenue, and then moved to “Happy Alley” in the area of upper Rodriguez Street.
He does most of his work with community members, and with the blessings of property owners and community leaders.
“It makes me very happy that people take the time to do it,” he said. “And we’re lucky enough to make it happen.”
In addition to covering graffiti tags, many of the murals have largely stopped such vandalism in the area in which they are placed.
“We’re going to continue our mission to get rid of the graffiti,” De Worken said, standing in Hazelwood Park last month. “We’re going to clean up this area.”
De Worken’s work includes massive murals in the quad area of Pajaro Valley High School and E.A. Hall Middle School.
He said those projects have served as a de facto art school for some of the young people who have helped him, and he as a mentor.
Some of these have returned to thank him for the early guidance, he said.
“It makes me feel proud that they take something away from it,” he said.
The event will include participants of the UC Santa Cruz alternative spring break and Watsonville High School’s Education, Community, Humanitarian and Outreach academy.
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The third annual Watsonville Community Mural Paint Day is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday in Hazelwood Park, 297 Herman Ave. in Watsonville. To participate, or for information, call 600-5445.
