We empower teens to explore their creativity through art — encouraging them to engage with their communities by bringing beauty to the world around them.

MURAL UNVEILING!
THURSDAY, MAY 26 @ 6:00 PM
SPIRIT OF HEALING:
The Pomo Project Mural at Elsie Allen High School

An incredible integration of local history, art, community, and teen mentorship culminates at the unveiling of a spectacular mural celebrating indigenous culture and our natural environment.

We invite the community to celebrate and share this special event that includes Pomo dancers performing traditional song and dance with blessings for this new mural. 

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Thursday, May 26 at 6:00 pm

Elsie Allen High School: 599 Bellevue Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA

MURAL LEAD ARTIST: Hannah Day

ASSISTANT LEADS: Annalisa Sher, Chris McKee, Lina Chambliss

WHERE: Elsie Allen High School, Santa Rosa, CA

In 2021, during COVID19 lockdown, through distance learning and Zoom tutorials, Artstart collaborated with the Elsie Allen Foundation, Elsie Allen students and art department, and the MEChA club to create the Elsie Allen Weaving Cultures Mural (Press Democrat, November 15, 2021).

That spectacular mural accomplishment was embraced by a local native group, the Pomo Project, and the dream of the POMO SPIRIT OF HEALING MURAL has become a reality. Artist and muralist Joseph Luis Salinas, a Kashia Pomo and founder of the Pomo Dancers of Sonoma County, conceived the design over 10 years ago. Read the inspiring and fascinating full story on The Pomo Project website.

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​Artstart has worked with The Pomo Project and Elsie Allen High School to bring Joe's vision to life. Artstart’s Lead Artist, Hannah Day, mentored dozens of students and volunteers in painting the many elements of this mural in meticulous detail. Over 50 volunteers, apprentices, students, and local artists, spanning three generations, came together to make this mural happen. 

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​We are grateful to the Pomo Project, the Elsie Allen High School Foundation, the Richard A. and Elizabeth T. Randolph Sunrise Rotary Donor Advised Fund, the Mary A. Crocker Trust, the Miranda Lux Foundation, the City of Santa Rosa Community Advisor Board, and Habematole POMO of Upper Lake for their generous funding to make this project possible.