Judy Baca's History of Highland Park Mural to be Dedicated Saturday

After undergoing a meticulous rejuvenation, Judy Baca's refurbished History of Highland Park mural will be officially unveiled to the public on Saturday morning.

First painted in 1977 by Baca and fellow Angeleno artists Joe Bravo, Sonya Fe and Arnold Ramirez, the work of art fell into disrepair over the last decade as its anti-graffiti coating deteriorated and taggers left their own marks--transforming the work of art into an eyesore.

Baca and company, under the banner of the Social and Pubic Art Resource Center (SPARC), returned to Highland Park in January to bring the faded mural back to life.

Much like the original mural, the restoration effort was the product of a collaboration between the artists and community members. Though the work of restoring the mural's strong lines and vivid colors was left to Baca and her crew, community members participated in a

The restoration effort was paid for by a $78,000 grant from AT&T, which owns the building at the corner of Ave. 56 and Meridian Street.

It took years of political pressure, applied both by Council member Jose Huizar's office and local community groups like the Highland Park Heritage Trust and , to finally convince AT&T that they were responsible for paying for the restoration project.

The official unveiling ceremony is scheduled to be held on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10-11 a.m. at the corner of Ave. 56 and Meridian Street. Refreshments will be served.