Every nation has attempted at some point in time, in some way, to keep the spirit of their past alive in their hearts and the hearts of their people. Here in Indio, California this is one of the top priorities. Some years ago, there was an idea brought forward to assist in preserving the past of the inhabitants and people of Indio, but as with any new idea, without proper attention and stimulation it fails to grow and for a season there was no activity.
It was not until 1996, when David Hernandez visited Indio and the Riverside County Date Festival was in action, that the idea was brought up once again to paint murals to impact the city and it's residents. These murals would draw attention to the small city of Indio, drawing visitors, commerce and economic relief. Aid was requested from local residents as well as local businesses. Everyone was given a chance to become a part of something bigger than themselves, and to help preserve a piece of history that would define their city.
As a way of earning the much needed income to produce the murals, an idea was born of offering signed and numbered paintings done by the artist for those that wished to own a spectacular piece of artwork. Being offered at varying prices, this artwork was personal and only a certain number of them were painted. This idea quickly aided in raising money for the mural project, as well as encouraging businesses to donate money and paintings bought to those less fortunate. The money raised was used to begin the project which was to include eight murals to be completed by 2003.
Not only did this idea serve to unite a community in emblazoning their past for the world to see, but also served to bring people to a new awareness of their cultural beginnings and history of what shaped the city they resided in. By educating people on their beginnings and their past, the city council of Indio was preparing a new generation to carry on the stories and history to their younger generation and them to theirs as well. It was the beginning of an act to preserve history, one mural at a time.
Viewing these murals has become something of a tourist attraction, and attention is drawn to them annually during the Riverside County Date Festival held in Indio, California. Viewers are able to see the murals and learn of small pieces of history of the city and the residents, bringing them a new understanding of the way of life as it was, and to see where some of the values carried today had originated. Life changes drastically from one year to the next, but the Indio murals have frozen some moments in time for everyone to look back and see where it all started.
Notice and appreciation is given to the donors and to the people that aided in making the Indio murals project a reality. With so many different people working together, it became a part of their history to be viewed by the world, placing Indio as a reality on the map and giving the residents something to be proud of. They show pride in their cultural roots and their heritage and all of this is evident in the murals depicting their history and what once was.
Elaine Stewart Check out Indio Real Estate at: www.investdesert.com
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