Artwork Detail

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God Blesses Everyone That Tries

Artist: Haro, Richard

Object Date: 2000

Medium: Acrylic on canvas

Imperial Dims: Overall: 240 x 360 in.

Department(s): Parks and Recreation

Supervisorial District: 1

About the Artwork:

Dozens of famous Latino faces gaze down from the wall in the Community Center at Ruben F. Salazar Park. The mural by Richard Haro covers a large triangular wall inside the multipurpose building. At the top of the mural two cupped hands pour out colorful orbs that float throughout, unifying all the separate sections of the artwork. In the center a cutaway offers a glimpse into a fictional cosmic world while children play on a strip of grass below. The predominant feature of the artwork is the over 30 portraits of famous and influential Latino people on the right and left sides. Included in this group are boxer Oscar De La Hoya, Los Angeles newscaster Laura Diaz, pop singer Selena, musician Carlos Santana, actor Ricardo Montalbán, actor Edward James Olmos, labor leader César Chávez, actor Rodolfo Valentino, singer Ritchie Valens, filmmaker Gregory Nava, actress Carmen Zapata and teacher James Escalante.

About the Artist:

Raised in East Los Angeles, Richard Haro studied art at East Los Angeles College. Haro did most of his murals during the 1960s and 1970s including a 40-panel work at Sierra Park Elementary School and a piece at the Watts Towers Arts Center. He was also one of the first artists to exhibit at Goez Art Studio and Gallery. In more recent years Haro has painted portraits and taught art to the mentally disabled.