Public Art: Mural Painting class proudly presents: Xeppe, Desert, y la Gente

The Public Art: Mural Painting class proudly presents: Xeppe, Desert, y la Gente

at Prescott College’s Kino Bay Center for Cultural and Ecological Studies

Bahia de Kino, Sonora, Mexico

Please read the interpretive statement below.  To view more photos and learn about the mural project and process, please visit the course blog (maintained by student Sarah Cupka): http://publicartmuralpaintingkino.blogspot.com/

Xeppe, Desert, y la Gente

Sea (Comcaac), Desert (English), and the People (Spanish)*

This mural represents the mission and vision of the Kino Bay Center for Cultural and Ecological Studies.  Based on themes of environmental conservation and research, education, and outreach, the mural reflects the cultural and biological diversity of the Midriff Island region, while focusing specifically on priority species and ecosystems, cultural interactions, and complex conservation challenges.

Kino Bay Center Mission Statement: Protecting priority species and habitats through integrated application of science, education, information exchange, and community participation

Kino Bay Center Vision Statement: Promoting and modeling collaborations between people from different cultures and institutions to co-create solutions to complex conservation challenges

The mural depicts, from left to right:

Collared Lizards, Crotaphytus dickersonae

Double-crested Cormorants, Phalacrocorax auritus

Fin Whale, Balaenoptera physalus (vertebrae)

American Oyster Catchers, Haematopus palliate

Red Mangrove, Rhizophora mangle

Reddish Egret, Egretta rufescens

Fin Whale, Balaenoptera physalus (blow)

Sperm Whale, Physeter macrocephalus (fluke)

Short-finned Pilot Whale, Globicephala macrorhynchus (dorsal fin)

Brown Pelicans, Pelecanus occidentalis

Red-billed Tropicbird, Phaethon aethereus

Leatherback Sea Turtle, Dermochelys coriacea

Fin Whale, Balaenoptera physalus

Nudibranchs, Chromodoris norrisi & Elysia diomedea

Manta Ray, Manta birostris

Osprey, Pandion haliaetus

Gulf Sun Star, Heliaster kubiniji Xantus

Sierra Mackerel, Scomberomorus sierra

Fishhook Barrel Cactus, Ferocactus wislizeni

Desert Bighorn Sheep, Ovis canadensis nelsoni

Cardon Cactus, Pachycereus pringlei

Spiny-tailed Iguana, Ctenosaura similis

San Esteban Chuckwalla, Sauromalus varius

Agave, Agave americana

The merging of visual elements in the mural is intended to represent the integration and co-creation that is fundamental to the philosophy and practice of the Kino Bay Center.   Our intention is that this mural will have many interpretations; our hope is that it will initiate questions and conversations about relationships amongst the natural environment, culture and community.

Xeppe, Desert, y la Gente was designed and painted by Prescott College’s Public Art: Mural Painting course in May 2012.  Instructor: Julie Comnick; Students: Claire Andreason, Lauren Brule, Celia Chatham, Mara Clifton, Sarah Cupka, Andi DeRivera, Maria Doffing, Audrey Hamann, Chelsea Phillips, and Mikial Tolmosoff

*Interpretive statement will be translated and posted in English, Spanish, and Comcaac (Seri).
--