Restore the Mission Makeover Mural

Community,

You all have seen the Mission Makeover Mural in the historic Balmy Alley. The mural has inspired dialogue, education, and even controversy around gentrification in our neighborhood La Misión. It is a reflection and commentary on the effects of neo-colonialism at a local level, while also managing to make the audience laugh through political satire and humor. Over the years it has been a stop for youth, classrooms, tour groups, and reporters to investigate deeper and dissect all the little details that make up the bigger picture of the mural. It continues to draw people in and is still relevant in its message 10 years later.

Unfortunately, the murals paint has been chipping off and fading due to weather damage. There are a lot of scratches and dents in the wood from accidents or night time activities. Parts are getting covered by graffiti and becoming crowded with so many different tags.

If you can help us, my father Tirso Araiza and I will reunite this summer to fix all these issues and bring the Mission Makeover Mural back to life. Funds will cover a power washer to clean the surface, a sander to take off the chipping paint, wood to replace the damaged pieces, scaffold to reach the higher places, graffiti remover to take off the tags, high quality varnish to seal and protect, and of course new paints and brushes to fix the old and add updated elements. Funds will also be used to pay artists for the time and labor as well as pay any assistants to come help out.

Once we’ve finished we will invite all of you to a mural celebration and renewed unveiling in Balmy Alley with music, food, dance, and art!

Any amount of money contributed is greatly appreciated and your support will go a long way. This is going to be a historic moment in the Mission and we hope that you’ll want to be a part of it. Thank you!!!