South City: Past, Present, and Future
On a retaining wall on Willow Avenue in the Sunshine Gardens neighborhood, the passerby encounters a vibrant and engaging mural. A timeline weaves across the length of the mural, illustrating South San Francisco through the ages and imagining the city in the future. Skyline Community College students created the work titled “South City: Past, Present, and Future.”
Historical references highlighting the “Past” include pre-historic images, allusions to the cultures that established roots in the area, and 19th-20th century events. Illustrating the “Present” are the biotech buildings and BART train. The “Future” envisions structures that are integrated in synergy with the natural environment.
The local biosphere is reflected throughout the mural. The root system of the living trees above the wall are the motif integrated into the “Past” section of the mural. Look for whimsical examples of the local wildlife which are incorporated throughout, including squirrels, butterflies, various insects, a bear, crab and Pacific harbor seal.
The Skyline College Community Mural Project (CMP) guides students through the process of creating a public mural, from research and community engagement to the artistic techniques of design and execution. The brief, (1:21), Community Mural Project video highlights the journey.
Location
Willow Avenue near Nora Drive, South San Francisco 94080 View Map