Imagine a mural depicting people you know, seen against a familiar landscape, complete with meaningful objects, symbols and events. Portraits of those who have passed on mingle with current generations and even cherished pets. This was a practice common in the Renaissance, commissioned by wealthy patrons but also by governments and common-benefit organizations for the good of their communities.

Subjects in this section of the mural:

• the Held-Poage Memorial Home (Mendocino County historical Society)
• the Folkloric dancers are portraits of Juvenal Vasquez who teaches Folkloric Dance at the college and his wife Norma.
• the Ukiah Valley Conference Center depicted next to the historic Palace Hotel
• above which appear a contemporary portrait of Eddie Palmerin of Eddie’s Cocina – Mexican restaurant here in town and
• a historic portrait of Walter Sandelin, proprietor if the Palace Hotel, retired in 1966, and called Mr. Ukiah!

See the website:

“Past, Present & Future” at Ukiah Valley Conference Center

This is a tradition I am carrying on with the monumental narrative mural on the north wall of the Ukiah Valley Conference Center. It tells stories that weave the fabric of our history. It begins with the eons before humans joined the other animals here, and moves up through the pandemic and raging fires. The entire first section is devoted to the affluent and sustainable Native culture that flourished in our region for millennia. The next twenty panels illustrate Mendocino County’s part of the largest mass migration in US history during the Gold Rush, and the many aspects of Ukiah’s becoming a typical yet unique California city.

The most eye-popping aspect of my process is painting a giant work for, about, and in front of the community. You all have given me ideas and source material. Your portraits are in it. You nourish me with presents of food and drink and you tell me the mural brings you to tears. An artist couldn’t ask for more.

I just spent several weeks at home escaping the smoke and working on my website devoted to the mural. There’s so much more to tell! See it here www.goddess.graphics and come visit.
—Lauren Sinnott