The Muralists’ Beautiful Pain

Dedicated to the Ohlone Family of Tribes who were the first inhabitants of the San Francisco Bay Area – The Muralists’ Beautiful Pain is an artistic, yet gritty and poignant, yet poetic documentary of seven Chicanx mural artists from the Bay Area who face familiar personal and cultural challenges as artists of color.

In striving for their own personal and artistic freedoms as lifelong dedicated working artists, they boldly communicate the history and future of their cultural struggles and successes through the larger-than-life canvases in their communities.

• A 30-minute Q & A and panel discussion with the artists immediately follows the screening.
• Artists will show and share some of their art in the lobby starting at  5pm.

Learn more about the film here.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

SUARO CERVANTES

Suaro Cervantes has only known a life of art with artist parents and “artist aunties.” Suaro’s life was artfully rich from the beginning in a community upbringing. As his DNA was set for the arts, his style fluidly crosses from the traditional to deep cultural understanding to open-mindedness to a free spirit of his surroundings.

VANESSA ESPINOZA

Vanessa (Agana) Espinoza thrives from a strong family presence in her heart and art. She typically includes friends and family to work with her and to share with her the entire creative experience. She absorbs her surroundings and welcomes discussions from those who visit her while she works to help her continually gather feedback and information that influences her work. Her use of color and conflict and the strength and beauty of women come through in her work.

FRANCISCO FRANCO

Francisco Franco’s art is a unique grace of colors, lines, shapes and motherly figures. His art was influenced by the spirit of his mother who passed away tragically when Francisco was very young. He somehow “manages” a lifelong relationship with the essence of his mother still strongly in his life. Life in challenging neighborhoods, a strong father and grandmotherly presence also guided him to take on life full force, as an artist, professor and leader.

LUCIA GONZALEZ IPPOLITO

Lucia Gonzalez Ippolito grew up in the artful Mission District community of San Francisco. She evolved from a challenging inner city to a complete discovery of herself and her purpose. Also from creative DNA, Lucia has remained steadfast to her community and continually grows as an artist with cultural conviction. Her work is etched into the heart of her community, as she seeks out artists to partner with and expands her creative reach to keep the spirit of her local community alive.

CARLOS RODRIGUEZ

Carlos Rodriguez is a powerful soul of conviction and individuality. Driven by the trials and tribulations of the constant friction of heartless authority figures might have hardened Carlos’ “exterior” to continually defy the institutional elements that pacify, gentrify and dilute the richness of other cultures – but his “interior” is proudly present in his culture, as he actively supports the younger generations around him.

ALFONSO SALAZAR

Alfonso Salazar’s realization came full circle after retiring from a long dedicated career at the U.S. Post Office. Alfonso’s artistic challenges were steep. From a challenging upbringing, substance abuse and self-doubt, the only thing that kept him sane was his innate creativity. His loving wife and family dutifully supported him through his struggles. After decades long challenges, the full artist in him finally broke through. Never-too-late and never-say-never, Alfonso rediscovered his natural purpose.

ERIN SALAZAR

Erin Salazar’s challenging upbringing with vivacious love from her parents created an industrious person, as well as an artist and community leader. What fed her artistic appetite was what happened to just be “there.” Regardless, beauty and style emanates from her art. Managing her course through life at an early age with her parents passing away in their 50s and being away from home to attend college, she now leads a successful non-profit arts group in her with a team of women who share similar values.

COVID-19 Safety

Please see our Covid-19 Safety policy for current requirements.

Ticketing

Ticket prices are subject to change. The Presidio Theatre allows returns up to 48 hours in advance of a performance. Processing fees cannot be refunded. For more information, please see the theatre’s Return Policy.

If you need assistance with ticketing please contact us at boxoffice@presidiotheatre.org or 415-960-3949.