In fall of 2017, creative artist Richard Muro Salazar applied for and was awarded the Richmond Arts & Culture Commission's Neighborhood Public Art Grant to paint a mural on Rancho Market. The project was proposed to be in collaboration with the store owner, Lucky Braimah, and residents as well as multiple agencies, including Love Your Block, the Office of Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, and Community Housing Development Corporation. Richard also brought on board artist Vanessa "Agana" Espinoza and hired local mural apprentices Alfonso Leon, Jahira Fragozo, and Jacinto Mingura. In February and March of 2018, we hosted 3 brainstorming sessions and distributed surveys at community meetings and in front of Rancho Market to get residents' input on the design of the mural. During this time, we received suggestions from over 100 North Richmond residents and community members. The artists also convened several sketch sessions to work on the mural design. |