civic engagement project- Downey CA

 Civic engagement: Downey, California

Denisse Calderon

ART 3170

Professor Aziz

12 April 2026

                            Phase 1: Location

The location I chose is Downey Ca, I chose this because I have fond memories of this neighborhood, even though I do not reside there. All my life, I have always wanted to spend my time in Downey. Their malls and movie theatres kept all my attention durring highschool that I know the place like the back of my hand. I feel as though it truly is my neighborhood. Therefore, I know aswell all of the art the city has, both new and old.

                                                        Phase 2: Field work


Produced by Stay Arts in collaboration with the City of Downey, this 40’ x 40’ mural was created by Rafael and Myron Reyes, two incredibly talented brothers and proud residents of this community, deeply committed to their craft. The piece reflects their vision, years of experience, and the precision that comes from a lifetime dedicated to the work.

The imagery is an ode to Downey’s story, honoring beloved landmarks like the Rives Mansion, Casa de Parley Johnson, and the Downey Grammar School arch. Oranges hang from the word “Downey,” paying tribute to the city’s agricultural roots and the citrus fields that shaped its earliest identity. The Apollo space capsule and the Space Shuttle Columbia appear in liftoff, honoring the aerospace legacy that helped shape this city. At the center is a map of Downey, with our major highways and rivers visible, a reminder of where we are and how we’re connected. Rendered in the city’s signature colors and spirit, this mural stands as a welcoming landmark for all who enter downtown.

“My Heart is in Your Hands” by Jane DeDecker

Location: southern side of the driveway entry at 8244 3rd St.






 
Downey City Hall (11111 Brookshire Ave, Downey, CA 90241)
The firefighter statue, wearing full protective gear and carrying a firefighter's axe, is kneeling to pick up the helmet of a fallen fellow firefighter. Full protective turnouts, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), are worn to remind them of the immediate danger to life and health (IDLH) environments they must work in. Axes are routinely carried by firefighters to aid in forcible entry/exit, roof ventilation, and interior searches.

Although the memorial is primarily intended to honor those active-duty, service-related deaths, the memorial is also a reflection of all Downey firefighters who are chronically exposed to toxic smoke and byproducts/carcinogens every day while responding to routine car fires, garage fires, dumpster fires, etc.


Downey City Hall (11111 Brookshire Ave, Downey, CA 90241)
Artist unknown

                                                                                                Phase 2: Analysis
                 

Those who are mainly represented in my community are prominent figures. An example is people in high positions such as police officers or our fallen firefighter. It seems as though my chosen city really values legacy. Their representation of this is shown in the art. The Apollo 11 Command Module rested in Downey and they have not allowed us to forget, bombarding us with beautiful art of the shuttle.

                                                                                              Phase 4: Proposal
Though I do not doubt that the city has good intentions in commissioning art to commemorate their forces, I do believe they lack in representing their common "small folk. The main commissioner of public art is the city, and the city has not entirely chosen to create art reflecting the majority Hispanic community. I do believe that,t though Hispanics make up about 70 percent of the population, according to the census, every race should be reflected in the artwork. I propose that the city create a beautiful mural that is a modern sort of like my first artifact. With beautifully rich colors that might contrast with all of these dull statues we currently have. I believe scrolling through my photos will show the lack of color the city has. I believe this is in part due to the fact that art is subjective, so the city chooses to create a bland piece of work. In neutral colors and classic bronze statues. This is why I love their newest addition to the city. The mural I have shown is what I would like to see more of. It is professionally made and executed beautifully. I can only imagine that sort of art style depicting all of the community's people living in harmony with one another. Their cultures blend with each other, creating their own sense of community.



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