Jóvenes Activos East Side Mural at Veggielution

Painted by Mario Dimas with Design Feedback from Jóvenes Activos

After months of planning and postponing due to the pandemic, the Jóvenes Activos East Side Mural Project (done in partnership with Local Color, SOMOS Mayfair, and the School of Arts and Culture) allowed East Side Youth to have their vision for a community mural executed by artist Mario Dimas.

The Jóvenes Activos worked with Local Color and learned the behind the scenes process of creating public art. From planning, to community engagement, to artist selection, about a dozen local youth had a part in creating this new mural.

The mural, which can be seen on the wall of Veggielution’s kitchen, reflects the youth and community’s ideas around the neighborhood’s representation. Artist Mario Dimas was able to capture San Jose’s historical agricultural background, multicultural immigrant population, and the future of the city’s youth. The multi-panel installation was revealed to the community and celebrated during Veggielution’s first Saturday on June 4, 2022.

About Jóvenes Activos

Jóvenes Activos empowers young leaders in San Jose’s East Side and Mayfair neighborhoods to create change within their community through leadership development and organizing. Jóvenes Activos aims to prepare the next generations of community organizers by keeping them active and engaged in the community through professional development, volunteer opportunities, and public art (much like this project!) Learn more about Jóvenes Activos and SOMOS Mayfair here.

About the Mario Dimas

“I came to East San Jose from Mexico on the 5th Grade. Living here as a kid it is easy to let the social influence of the street life divert you from your goals and aspirations. My artwork grew from my surroundings and the circumstances that led me to seek a more positive and meaningful life.

East San Jose has helped me build character , community and style. It has been my home in the United States and it would be an honor to be able to help the youth paint and bring awareness to this part of San Jose where I grew up and represent the culture of this unique community.” — Mario Dimas.

Mario has worked with Local Color on East Side Voices and Valley Verde.

About Veggielution

Since 2008, Veggielution has connected people from diverse backgrounds through food and farming. Veggielution has been able to build community in East San Jose with free programs allowing access to sustainable farm fresh foods, and agricultural and business education on Emma Prusch Farm Park. Learn more about Veggielution here.