Located in the lobby of the community center, the mural artwork is comprised of four 11-foot panels. Each panel depicts the Meso-American theme for one of the four cardinal directions. The east panel includes images of the Mayan maize god Hun Hunahpu and speaks to Flores' many treks to deliver food to the needy. The south panel includes images of children dancing as homage to de la Cruz's founding of Ballet Folklorico. The west panel honors women as healers recalling both women's community work and activism. The north panel, honoring elders, contains portraits of both women and images of Oakland landmarks.

The four panels are complemented by a fresco-like mural band around the upper walls of the lobby depicting a feathered-serpent motif with symbols from various cultures representing creativity and strength. Together, these images help tell the story of the lives of the two women and their dedication to the Oakland community. As tribute to the accomplishments of these two great Oakland humanitarians, the public unveiling of "El Corazón de la Communidad: The Heart of the Community" was scheduled to coincide with Women's History Month.

A lifelong Oakland artist, Newman spent six months creating this artwork. Painting assistance was provided by Steven Chapman, Tony Coleman, Sean Nash and Jason Barnes. "El Corazón de la Communidad: The Heart of the Community" is Newman's first mural installation funded by the City of Oakland.

In addition to light refreshments and art activities for children, the open house will feature live entertainment by Ron San Miguel of La Voz del Viento, Mio Flores and Johnny de La Cruz.

After the dedication, the mural can be viewed by the public during the recreation center's normal operating hours of 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

About the City of Oakland's Public Art Program
The Public Art Program oversees public art throughout the city. Within the last 12 months, the program has unveiled five public art installations. Administered by the Cultural Arts and Marketing Department, the Public Art Program is funded through the City of Oakland's Public Art Ordinance and the Redevelopment Agency Resolution, which establish that all capital projects undertaken by the City must allocate 1½ percent for public art. Most projects are selected through an open, competitive call for artists. Some projects are restricted to Oakland artists only. Others are open to artists in the Bay Area or nationwide. Interested artists may contact the Public Art Program to be added to our distribution list for information on upcoming projects. www.oaklandculturalarts.org

About the Muralist
Joaquin Alejandro Newman was born 1973 in Oakland, and currently lives and paints in his hometown. The son of an artist mother and a scientist father, his mixed heritage of Yaqui, Mexican and European ancestry has fueled his creative endeavors his entire life. After studying fine art and digital design at Cabrillo College and UC Santa Cruz, Joaquin now works as a painter, muralist, graphic designer and illustrator. He has taught at the Academy of Art College and held workshops at the Oakland Museum of California. His artwork can be found in galleries throughout the Bay Area and the nation. As co-creator of the Forrealism Movement, Joaquin showcases his work and that of his collaborators on www.forrealism.com, a portal functioning as a vision for the future of indigenous arts.

Media Contact:
Harry Hamilton
(510) 238-2107
hhamilton@oaklandnet.com