Photo courtesy of Eastern Sierra Artists
KDACC Grant brings local artists together for collaborative community mural
On a warm Friday afternoon in May, a colorful celebration of community and creativity came to life in Bishop, California. Local artists and residents gathered in Whitney Alley at Black Sheep Coffee Roasters to unveil a collaborative mural outside C5 Studios, their community arts center. The mural dubbed “The Connected Community Mural”, is the latest public art project from Eastern Sierra Artists, a non-profit dedicated to fostering creative expression throughout the region.
The project, funded by the KDA Creative Corps (KDACC) grant, is a striking piece of collaborative art led by artist Dana Ellis. Over the course of several months, a diverse team of artists — from seasoned professionals to youth as young as 10 — contributed to the mural, which reflects themes of unity, nature, and social justice. Artists from both Inyo and Mono counties participated, including Lori Michelon, Alyssa Marquez, Tyler Gilbert, Rowan and Odin Thorp, Elan Boehme, Vanesa Rios, Tulie Saenz, and Toya Sana-Vi Stone.
Ellis described the project as a collaborative approach to public art, amplifying under-represented voices and fostering community engagement. The mural helped beautify downtown Bishop and sends a message of inclusion, showcasing the creative contributions of those who have been historically excluded from public art in the region.
The initiative aimed to provide a platform for both seasoned and emerging artists, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or experience, had a chance to contribute.
Photos courtesy of Eastern Sierra Artists
The mural showcases a wide variety of contributions. Established artist Dave Titus, who has a passion for mountain climbing, was responsible for one of the initial sections. His work featured a lively portrayal of boulders and flowers that seamlessly integrated into the mural’s overall theme of the Eastern Sierra landscape’s natural beauty and interconnectedness. Additionally, Alyssa Marquez, Ashley Anderson, and Lorenzo Moreno incorporated their individual artistic styles into the mural, drawing from their unique experiences growing up in the region.
Beyond the mural, Eastern Sierra Artists used its KDACC grant to support C5 Studios as a hub for creativity in Bishop. The community arts center offers affordable coworking spaces for artists, hosts art classes, and organizes community events that encourage local residents to explore their creative potential. C5 Studios aims to provide a safe and inclusive space for people of all ages to express themselves, network with fellow artists, and contribute to the cultural fabric of the town.
The community believes that art has the ability to transform individuals and entire communities. Engaging in creative projects such as murals fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment.
The Connected Community Mural represents the collaborative efforts of the Eastern Sierra Artists to prioritize underrepresented voices and foster creative collaboration within the community. The mural is expected to become a lasting feature in Bishop, a town known for its outdoor art scene and vibrant cultural life.
The unveiling event marked a new chapter in Bishop’s public art history, made possible through the efforts of local artists, the support of the KDACC grant, and the passion of a community determined to shape its future through creativity.
For more information about C5 Studios and Eastern Sierra Artists, visit www.c5studios.org.
About the Organization: Eastern Sierra Artists
Liz Grandsaert is a hyper-surreal artist/illustrator from Pioneer, California. Her work delves deep into the human experience of life in rural America. Liz has her BFA in painting from UCLA and focuses on building a multi-dimensional worldview that permeates the Americana mythos.
