Viewfinder: Muralizmo Project Kicks Off at Decoto Community Center

The Art Association of the East Bay kicked off its Muralizmo project at the 10th Street Community Center in Decoto on Saturday, Feb. 12 with a blessing from the .

The front of the building, a former fire station that houses the and other youth programs, will be painted during the course of the next few months by youth volunteers.

“I want to provide youth with an avenue to express their creativity,” said Lilia Reynoso, president of the art association. “Especially on this side of town, there aren’t many places for kids to do things for free.”

On Saturday afternoon, dozens of Decoto youth scraped paint off the building while listening to the sounds of Country Fever, an oldies and blues band that volunteered its time for the event. Community members gathered to enjoy the music and watch the Aztec performance.

It turned into a larger event than expected, Reynoso said.

“Everyone has been really, really excited. I think that shows that there is a need in the community and a want and desire for something like this,” Reynoso said.

“We’re trying to bring the community together,” said John Cabrera, the lead outreach worker for Union City’s Youth and Family Services.

Anyone is welcome to paint and help share ideas, Reynoso said.

Check out the highlights in the video and slideshow above.