Press Release: Guadalupe River Art Walk AIR Kristina Micotti

NEW MURAL IN DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE BRIGHTENS THE GUADALUPE RIVER TRAIL WITH COLORFUL CHARACTERS INSPIRED BY LOCAL WILDLIFE
Second mural of the Guadalupe River Art Walk project shows a playful park experience

POW! WOW! San Jose (PWSJ)​ and G​uadalupe River Park Conservancy (GRPC) ​have teamed up to bring the experience of a global public art movement into one of San Jose’s most unique natural assets, the Guadalupe River Park in downtown San Jose, creating the Guadalupe River Art Walk​. The Guadalupe River Park will act as a “nature studio,” hosting a series of Artist-in-Residencies over the course of a year to deliver the combined benefits of public art and parks.

The second Artist-in-Residence, ​Kristina Micotti​, recently completed her mural titled “​Do You Know The Way to San Josè's Guadalupe River Trail?​,” further expanding the Artist-in-Residencies series within the Guadalupe River Park. The latest mural is located along the Guadalupe River Trail under Santa Clara Street and is now accessible now to the public. An accomplished local illustrator, this artwork would be Kristina’s first public mural.

“Using fun and bright colors, the mural is a way to bring awareness not only to the native wildlife but to the actual trail itself,” says Kristina Micotti. “The Guadalupe River Trail is truly one of the most beautiful places in San Josè and I was very fortunate to paint there. From biking to bird watching, the trail has so much to offer our city. The playful characters are my way of inviting the public down to the trail and to encourage them to enjoy it for themselves.”

"It is timely that this artist in residency program, bringing vibrancy and activity to the Guadalupe River Park, is happening when our greenspaces are most valued. The series of murals, envisioned and painted by local artists, will encourage deeper exploration and celebration of our city river," says Marie Millares, Street Life Manager at San Jose Downtown Association (SJDA).

The new mural is sited in an area currently experiencing major development interest. This segment serves as a key connection point between Diridon Station and downtown San Jose to the many diverse neighborhoods along the Guadalupe River, and eventually to the San Francisco Bay.

“There are many factors to consider when designing trails in San Jose,” says Yves Zsutty, Division Manager for the City of San Jose’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department. “A key element is to provide moments of joy and reward along a trail. It has been a fantastic process hearing the community’s first impressions of this mural, knowing that their bike ride was made more joyful.”

The artist and creative team will host a virtual mural unveiling on March 19 at 6:00PM in partnership with a San Jose-based arts collaborative, Chopsticks Alley, which seeks to uplift Southeast Asian American culture, creativity, and leadership. Kristina will also release a limited edition pin this spring commemorating this occasion. Proceeds will benefit the mission and programs of GRPC.

POW! WOW! San Jose and the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy are grateful for the support of Applied Materials, Kelly Moore Paints, City of San Jos​è​’s Office of Cultural Affairs and Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department, the San Jose Downtown Association, and the Knight Foundation for their commitment to arts, culture, and public space in San Jose. For more information about how to donate or to become a sponsor, please visit https://www.powwowsanjose.com/donate​.

About Artist-in-Residence Kristina Micotti:
An illustrator and designer from San Jose, California, Kristina’s illustrations are playful, bold, and simple. She likes to create anything that makes her laugh and aims to spread joy with her work. ​Kristina’s work varies from minimalist to extremely detailed but always maintains a whimsical quality. You can find ​her fun characters adorning everything from prints, blankets, to pins and hats. Kristina’s ​challenge of pushing herself doesn't go unrecognized as not only is this her very first mural but it covers over 2,550 square feet of wall space.

About POW! WOW! San Jose:
POW! WOW! San Jose, established in 2017, is an internationally-branded and locally-led mural festival rooted from a collective of San Jose artists and creatives from Empire 7 Studios—a contemporary urban art gallery and cultural institution in Japantown, San Jose, California. The organization leads are Co-Directors Juan Carlos Araujo, Stacey Kellogg, and Jennifer Ahn. Collectively, the PWSJ team has produced over 60 murals throughout the City in various neighborhoods with a focus on under-served areas.

About Guadalupe River Park Conservancy:
The Guadalupe River Park Conservancy is a 25 year-old organization that provides community leadership for the development and active use of the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens through education, advocacy, and stewardship. The Guadalupe River Park is a three-mile ribbon of parkland that runs along the banks of the Guadalupe River in the heart of downtown San Jose. Key park assets include the Rotary PlayGarden, Heritage Rose Garden, and the River Trail that connects downtown San Jose to the Bay Area waters.

To learn more about:
Kristina Micotti, please visit ​www.kristinamicotti.com
POW! WOW! San Jose, please visit ​www.powwowsanjose.com
GRPC, please visit ​www.grpg.org

 
Photo credits: Lan Nguyen

Artist Kristina Micotti

View of the mural looking north along the Guadalupe River Trail at Santa Clara Street

View of the mural looking south along the Guadalupe River Trail at Santa Clara Street