Click to expand image Color photo of Cease Martinez on a ladder painting portrait mural for Irma and Joe Garcia.
Photo by Melanni DeArcos
Irma’s mural was done the very first weekend. While that mural was being painted so many people came, from previous students, neighbors, childhood friends, business owners. I definitely got a sense that she was extremely loved and respected in the community.

Monica Maldonado

Cease Martinez’s Artist Statement

When researching to do this mural I discovered that Irma LOVED being a teacher and loved her students. I learned that she was a great mother and had been with her high school sweetheart, Joe, coming up on 25 years. Speaking to family and friends, I found out they were practically inseparable. Sadly, this was true even in death. This was the inspiration for painting them in a niche box, often used for devotion or alters. I named it "Amor Eternal" or eternal love. We were blessed to have several of Irma and Joe's friends and family stop by during the process, providing stories of their love. I wanted to include a quote or scripture on part of the wall space. Their daughter gracefully provided a lyric from one of their favorite songs bringing it all together.

Click to expand image Color photo of portrait mural of Irma and Joe Garcia.
Photo by Al Rendón, 2022