Twenty years ago, in 2003, the oldest farmers market in California commissioned the talents of about two dozen muralists in a project led by Susan Cervantes of Precita Eyes. They adorned the market’s booths with beautiful depictions of the growers who brought their wares to the location every Saturday. In this short video, I offer a tour of their work and talk a little about the project’s history.
There’s a little bit more history to these fabulous murals. Some 20+ years ago, I worked for DPW, (I was had been a regular at the market for many years & cherished it), we were contracted to sweep the market on Friday night, so it would be clean for Saturday. I was in regular contact with the Manager of the market (I can’t recall his name); one day, he told me that the market was in trouble, that it might be closed! I had an idea…
I suggested putting art work on the market stalls. The Art Commission is in charge of all outdoor public art. Once there was public art, THAT ART would be protected. I lived (still do) in Bernal Heights, so I suggested Precita Eyes. The Manager did contact Precita Eyes and the rest is history.
This was a totally selfish act on my part- I couldn’t bare the idea of this fresh food source ending. The Alemany Farmer’s Market is not only a treasure for those of us that purchase fresh grown produce, it also helps Family farm endure!