TULSA, Okla. – An event was held Sunday in east Tulsa to celebrate the completion of a new mural.
Located near 23rd and Garnett, the “Tulsa: Mi Cultura” mural celebrates the culture and diversity of east Tulsa.
This mural came about through a collaboration between Tulsa World District, Tulsa Life Arts, East Side Blinds, and local artist VNICE.
VNICE was born in Oaxaca, Mexico and raised in East Tulsa. He graduated from the University of Tulsa and has murals all over the city.
Living Arts of Tulsa provided the following statement from VNICE about the mural:
“21st and Garnett Street is known as a melting pot of culture. In this area you will find many Latin American, Asian and African stores. It is on its way to becoming a 'global district'. The area where I proposed a mural is located on one of the entry points for this upcoming area. East Side Blends “It's a small shop owned by a friend of mine who also graduated from the same high school I did, East Central Sr. High. Victor, the owner of East Side Blends, is happy and willing to help bring some art to the area. This area can be seen dotted with a lot of graffiti” Gang”, but from my personal experience, I think submitting some artwork by someone from the community like me can help with less marks and more art.
“This mural should represent the mix of cultures in this area of Tulsa while remembering that this is 'Tulsa.'” Some of the images in my mood board, such as Frida and an Asian woman wearing traditional clothing, along with other images, appear to represent this message. Before All told, it will be titled “Tulsa” in a form of Old English to represent the “Chicano culture” that is a big part of the East Side Blinds lifestyle.
Louisa Krug, executive director of the Tulsa Global District, highlighted how artists who create murals have had an impact on the places where they grew up.
“I think it can help show other artists that they can do something like this in their community as well, so I think it can be really impactful to see this investment in your own community.”
