Tribute to Dodgers Legend Fernando Valenzuela: Two New Murals to Honor His Legacy
Boyle Heights
While Los Angeles mourns the death of Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela, a pair of artists are working to pay tribute to the beloved sports figure with murals in the City of Angels.
More Details on the Boyle Hotel Mural
Artist Robert Vargas, who is known for his work on the 150-foot Shohei Ohtani mural in Little Tokyo, is creating a new mural to honor Valenzuela. In an interview with NBC4, Vargas shared that the mural will complement Ohtani’s mural and will be located on the backside of the old Boyle Hotel in Boyle Heights, 1781 1st St.
The unveiling date is November 1, which coincides with Valenzuela’s birthday and the Day of the Dead, making it an "ofrenda," an altar to celebrate the fallen icon. Vargas described Valenzuela as an immigrant who "gave us permission to dream in a way that went beyond the game" and was always humble.
Elysian Valley
Artist Jonas Never is currently working on a new mural in Frogtown, using spray paints to create an image of Valenzuela, paying homage to the Dodgers legend. The artist, known for his work on artwork honoring Kobe Bryant and other Dodger players, explained that the selection of the location was natural, given its proximity to Dodger Stadium.
Unfortunately, the news of Valenzuela’s passing overshadowed the initial intention behind the mural, and Never shared that he was initially in disbelief upon hearing the news. "It’s weird that this was planned and started when he was alive, and now it’s taken on a whole new meaning," he said. The exact completion date for the mural is unclear, but it is expected to be located near the intersection of Forney Street and Blake Avenue.
Conclusion
The city of Los Angeles is mourning the loss of a beloved sports figure, and these two murals will serve as a lasting tribute to the legacy of Fernando Valenzuela. The art world is coming together to celebrate his life and achievements, and these public displays of art will be a testament to his enduring impact on the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the location of the Boyle Hotel mural?
A: 1781 1st St, Boyle Heights
Q: What is the location of the Elysian Valley mural?
A: Near the intersection of Forney Street and Blake Avenue, Frogtown
Q: When will the Boyle Hotel mural be unveiled?
A: November 1, coinciding with Valenzuela’s birthday and the Day of the Dead
Q: What is the current status of the Elysian Valley mural?
A: The artist, Jonas Never, is currently working on the project, and the completion date is unclear.
