Curator’s Statement
As I embarked on the La Flor del Pueblo mural project in the Grant Park neighborhood, a place that holds profound personal significance for me, I found myself immersed in an extraordinary journey of connection, discovery and creative expression. My bond with Grant Park dates back to the inception of my art career. This place with its deep stories that are rich in culture and memories is where my first studio and the M.A.R.S Artspace, in which I am a founding member, were located. This barrio has been a cornerstone of my artistic journey.
My relationship with Grant Park is deeply rooted in my personal history. The first murals I painted were at the American Legion Post 41. Those murals were more than just art; they were conversations painted on walls. Starting M.A.R.S Artspace in Grant Park with a group of dedicated talented artists and being a proud member of Post 41 has been a personal privilege. And the legacy of my Uncle Steve Zozaya and fellow Bushmasters of WWII, founding members of Post 41, inspire me to honor this community through my work.
This project is not an attempt to chronicle a complete history of Grant Park. Instead, it is an artistic endeavor to curate and share a slice of the myriad stories that exist here. We are weaving narratives bringing to life the tales we’ve heard and felt in the neighborhood. La Flor del Pueblo is a profound ode to Grant Park’s soulful stories, a local narrative of America’s tale, each brushstroke an homage to the enduring spirit of the community, a canvas where stories of triumph and resilience find their vivid expression. It’s a reflection of humanity, capturing segments of life that resonate and enrich us with their memory. A heartfelt tribute to the narratives that have emerged to inspire and paint the way forward.
Jim Covarrubias
Meet the Curator:
Jim Covarrubias
Jim Covarrubias
CovarrubiasCollection.com
Jim Covarrubias is a Kingman, Arizona native and U.S. Army Captain, is a seasoned artist with an extensive background in the arts, including being a founding member of M.A.R.S. an alternative art space dating back to the 1970s. Jim is the founder and CEO of Ariztlan Studios and is a studio painter at his downtown Phoenix studio in the historic Icehouse building. An Arizona State University alumnus, he has dedicated over three decades to documenting and promoting the cultural arts of the Southwest, focusing on Veterans, Native-American, and Hispanic Art. Covarrubias has contributed as the Arts and Culture Editor for National Veterans Magazine and is renowned for his live painting performances, aptly nicknamed the “Fastest Drawer in the West.”
His artistic contributions extend to having over 70 artworks displayed at the Arizona Senate Building and the production of "Kokopelli the Legend," an opera based on the ancient Hohokam culture. Currently, Jim serves as the Curator for "La Flor del Pueblo," a large-scale mural project in development in the Grant Park Neighborhood, which plans to showcase stories from the neighborhood across multiple blocks. This role, entrusted to him by the community, highlights his commitment to cultural storytelling through art.
As Curator of "La Flor del Pueblo," Jim Covarrubias brings his profound insight and artistic vision to the forefront, aiming to visually celebrate the stories of the Grant Park Neighborhood.