World Famous International Artist Creates 60-foot Mural in Vista

World-renowned international artist Joram Roukes traveled from Amsterdam in February to begin creating a historic 60-foot mural on the side of the new Found Lofts apartment complex in downtown burgeoning Vista’s Art and Culture District. He is the first artist-in-residence living at the newly completed Found Lofts apartment complex. Youth from San Luis Rey Mission Band of Indians Youth Art Program will join him in painting a portion of the historic artwork next week.
On February 8, the city of Vista City Council asked Lev Gershman, Founder of Tideline Partners who are developing Found Lofts apartment complex in downtown Vista, to reach out to local tribal communities for their input on international artist Joram Roukes’ proposed mural for the building. On Saturday, February 19th, Lev and Joram met with Mel Vernon, Captain, of the San Luis Rey Tribal Council, and other leaders at the Rancho Guajome Adobe in Vista. The purpose of the gathering was to review Joram’s proposed imagery and the iconography within the mural and gain consensus among the assembled parties to ensure the subject matter is culturally appropriate and accurately reflects the spirit and vision of the community.
During the three-hour meeting, members of the tribe shared their family history, stories, heirlooms, and cultural artifacts with Lev and Joram. At the end of the moving discussion, a collective understanding and joint consensus was reached by all parties on a direction forward to create a dynamic mural that is more locally-focused, culturally-inclusive and meaningful to all who will ultimately experience the artwork. The mural will feature figures from one of the meaningful ancestral stories discussed in the meeting that would replace the image of Sacagawea and her son. The overall composition of the mural will remain the same as was presented at the February 8th City Council meeting. Additionally, in the coming weeks, participants in San Luis Rey’s Youth Art Program will join Joram in painting part of the mural. Upon completion of the mural, a brass plaque will be affixed to the building that will recount the story and explain its meaning to the region as approved by the tribe.
March 20:There will be a ribbon cutting at Found Lofts ribbon cutting attended by the art community, elected officials and unveiling of the finished mural