Commemoration of the Founding of the Pueblo de Guadalupe, San Jose
Artist: East Los Streetscapers
Year: 1997
Commissioned By: City of San José Public Art Program
Created by Wayne Alaniz Healy and David Rivas Botello, founders of the Los Angeles based art collective East Los Streetscapers, and sculptor Alejandro De La Loza, this concrete and bronze sculpture features murals and bas-relief sculpture depicting the 1777 establishment of San José as the first civilian Spanish settlement in California. Painted in the group’s colorful signature style, which emerged from the Chicano Mural Movement of the 1960s-70’s, the murals depict the day-to-day lives of the unnamed settlers from their agricultural prowess to their adobe homes.
The “Commemoration of the Founding of Pueblo De Guadalupe San José” challenges the narrative that California was born out of the Gold Rush. Serving as a reminder that the history of European settlement in the state dates back beyond 1849. The seal of the State California bears the image of Athena, who was born fully matured from the head of Zeus. The memorial is an act of resistance to the singular narrative of American settlement, acknowledging Spanish and Mexican settlement and rule that had been present since 1697.
As you head towards the next artwork, notice the variety of small businesses along First Street. Consider how vital pedestrians are to their economic viability. Between shops, galleries, and restaurants there are several empty storefronts. Consider the economic impact Covid-19 shelter-in-place had on the vitality of this important San Jose streetscape. Downtown has felt an artistic revitalization with the Art Box Project (painted utility boxes), Downtown Doors mural project, and the Street Life project.
Year: 1997
Commissioned By: City of San José Public Art Program
Created by Wayne Alaniz Healy and David Rivas Botello, founders of the Los Angeles based art collective East Los Streetscapers, and sculptor Alejandro De La Loza, this concrete and bronze sculpture features murals and bas-relief sculpture depicting the 1777 establishment of San José as the first civilian Spanish settlement in California. Painted in the group’s colorful signature style, which emerged from the Chicano Mural Movement of the 1960s-70’s, the murals depict the day-to-day lives of the unnamed settlers from their agricultural prowess to their adobe homes.
The “Commemoration of the Founding of Pueblo De Guadalupe San José” challenges the narrative that California was born out of the Gold Rush. Serving as a reminder that the history of European settlement in the state dates back beyond 1849. The seal of the State California bears the image of Athena, who was born fully matured from the head of Zeus. The memorial is an act of resistance to the singular narrative of American settlement, acknowledging Spanish and Mexican settlement and rule that had been present since 1697.
As you head towards the next artwork, notice the variety of small businesses along First Street. Consider how vital pedestrians are to their economic viability. Between shops, galleries, and restaurants there are several empty storefronts. Consider the economic impact Covid-19 shelter-in-place had on the vitality of this important San Jose streetscape. Downtown has felt an artistic revitalization with the Art Box Project (painted utility boxes), Downtown Doors mural project, and the Street Life project.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Jose. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Commemoration of the Founding of the Pueblo de Guadalupe on Map
Sight Name: Commemoration of the Founding of the Pueblo de Guadalupe
Sight Location: San Jose, USA (See walking tours in San Jose)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: San Jose, USA (See walking tours in San Jose)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in San Jose, California
Create Your Own Walk in San Jose
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Jose is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
San Jose Downtown Walking Tour
San Jose is California's third-largest city and the second-largest city in Northern California. From 1849 to 1851, San Jose served as the state's first capital, which is still a local source of pride. The city has formally incorporated in 1850 and has been a center of innovation from the late 19th century, starting with agriculture and food processing.
During World War II, several... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
During World War II, several... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
San Jose Public Art Walking Tour
This walking tour, “Public Art as Resistance in San José,” highlights the history of resistance and public art in downtown San José and begins on the urban university campus, San José State University. Starting from the first two works of art on campus, you’ll find that these 12 works of public art are among many in this area. However, this particular walking tour considers how San... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.0 Km or 3.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.0 Km or 3.7 Miles