Alex Paul Loza

ArtsBuild

The goal with this mural was to create a piece that represents the diverse cultures within the Latino community without excluding the other communities present in the Chattanooga area. After having engaging conversations with the community members and community leaders, the decision to paint four large figures of children of diverse ethnic backgrounds, from Indigenous, African, European to Asian heritage, would represent not only the Latino community as well as the non-Latino community. The first figure holds a kite waiting to soar, the second figure holds a small plant which represents embracing our roots (culture), the third figure holds a paper plane looking to guide its flight, and the fourth figure looks to the heavens as she runs with her cardboard wings. Each child depicts the feeling of soaring, guiding, embracing and dreaming. As parents, family members, and community, we can provide our children with the tools and support they need to open their wings and soar to their potential, to achieve their dreams without forgetting their cultural roots and the values learned from home.