From the moment Professor John Jota Leaños began the first day of ART 139: Murals and Movements by offering sage gathered from his garden, it was clear the course would provide a rich, immersive experience.
Exploring the history of muralism in the context of social and political art movements across the Americas, students worked together to design and produce a mural honoring the cultural histories of Black, Indigenous, and Latiné communities. The project, created to celebrate El Centro’s 30th anniversary, was brought to life with the support of visiting muralists and UCSC alumni, Irene Juarez-O’Connell and Victor Cervantes, and included excursions to San Francisco’s Mission District and Santa Cruz’s Beach Flats.
Reflecting on the start of the course, Director of El Centro and UCSC alumna Xiomara López shared, “I’m deeply grateful to Dean Celine Parreñas Shimizu, L. Esthela Bañuelos, Assistant Dean for Student Success and Chief of Staff, and Elliot Anderson, Chair of the Art Department, for their enthusiasm and collaboration in making the vision of hosting UCSC’s first Mural Painting course a reality. Professor John Jota Leaños, along with Irene and Victor, provided students with a transformative experience, equipping them with valuable skills to carry into their careers.”
Convivencia and community care
The practice of convivencia–living and creating together in harmony–was central to the success of ART 139: Murals and Movements. “Working in a studio course that emphasized convivencia was particularly meaningful to the students, artists, and myself, as it fostered a strong sense of community and creative exchange,” explained Leaños.
Acts of community care were woven into every stage of the course. El Centro provided meals during painting days, students curated playlists for the studio, and the mural unveiling event featured danza and prayer led by White Hawk Iztatutli and Los Mejicas to honor cultural traditions. These student-led efforts infused the process with intention, respect, and cultural significance.
The collaborative process
The students–many of whom shared a collective interest in dance as a cultural vehicle for resistance and storytelling–worked closely with muralists Juarez-O’Connell and Cervantes to shape the mural’s themes. The first half of the course focused on brainstorming, planning, and design, while the second half was dedicated to painting, transforming their vision into a vibrant piece of public art.
“The collaborative process was central to this mural project and deeply reflective of the values of community and shared knowledge,” said Leaños. “Enriched by mutual respect and convivencia, this process showcased how collective creativity can transform individual ideas into a unified expression of cultural resilience and joy.”
Danza a la Rebeldía
The mural, titled Danza a la Rebeldía (Dance as Rebellion), which was unveiled at the UCSC Art Department Open Studios on December 6, highlights the enduring power of cultural dance as a form of resilience, joy, and identity among Black, Indigenous, and Latiné communities by highlighting Danza Azteca, Son Jarocho, Afro-Puertorican Bomba, Indigenous dance of the Ohlone people, Mexican folklórico, Afro-Brazilian drumming, and Palestinian Dabkeh dance.
A statement from the student artists reads: “Through our collaboration, we explored the resilience and resistance embedded in these cultures, highlighting the role of dance as a powerful expression of identity and cultural preservation. The dances represented in the mural—from African, Indigenous, Latiné, and Palestinian traditions—serve as an ode to collective resistance and unified empowerment. Our mural also pays homage to undocumented communities by honoring student activism and the courage it takes to advocate for justice and equity.”
“Students were inspired by how dance serves as both a physical and spiritual act of survival, carrying generations of cultural knowledge and storytelling,” said Leaños. “Through cultural dance, we honor the survival of traditions that have withstood colonization, enslavement, and erasure. These dances are living archives of history, resilience, and joy.”
Empowering students through the arts
For students, the mural-making process was about more than just creating art–it was about forging connections between their identities, academic studies, and cultural histories.
“Culturally affirming initiatives like this mural project enrich students’ academic experiences by connecting their studies to their identities, lived experiences, and communities,” said Professor Leaños. “At UCSC and across the UC system, where many students come from underrepresented backgrounds, projects like these offer a platform for reclaiming and validating forms of knowledge that have often been marginalized.”
As El Centro celebrates its 30th anniversary, Danza a la Rebeldía stands as a testament to the power of art to foster community and honor cultural resilience. “We hope this mural invites you to reflect on the meaning of community,” wrote the student artists, “and how we can continue to live in solidarity while honoring the beauty and uniqueness of our identities.”
The mural can be viewed at the Baskin Visual Arts Center. For more information about supporting future initiatives, contact Ginny Hargrave, Senior Director of Development, Arts Division, at [email protected].
A closer look: definitions and details within this story
Convivencia: The practice of living and creating together in harmony.
El Centro: UCSC’s Chicanx Latinx Resource Center, established in 1995 as a response to the educational needs of Chicanx Latinx students at UC Santa Cruz. Part of the Division of Student Affairs and Success, El Centro serves as a hub of organized activity and resources that support student transition, retention, graduation and academic advancement. Visit El Centro’s website to learn more, and connect via Instagram @elcentro_ucsc.
How to support future initiatives: UCSC seeks funding to continue this impactful course next quarter and beyond. This course fosters belonging for students, particularly Latiné students in the arts, who make up 27% of Art majors. Funding would support materials, faculty stipends, and programming costs, empowering students to engage in artistic creation and connection. For more information on how to partner with this effort and help it continue into the future, please contact Ginny Hargrave, Sr. Director of Development, Arts Division, at [email protected].
UCSC’s Division of Student Affairs and Success (DSAS) encompasses nearly 800 professional staff and 1700 student staff spanning five major units. Our division cultivates an equity-centered environment that fosters scholars and change agents. To learn more, visit the DSAS website and follow @ucsc.dsas on Instagram.
View the final mural, which was unveiled Dec. 6, by visiting the Baskin Visual Arts Center.