La Unidad Familia was completed August 24, 2003, on the Escuela Primario in the village of Naranjo, Honduras.

Mirian Hernandaz (local Mural Campesino facilitator) and fifteen teens successfully designed and installed La Unidad Familia mural in Naranjo. The mural depicts a father sitting with village children, teaching them about the values of the community. The importance of the united family is represented in the central frame of this triptych. The frames on each side represent respect for the natural habitat and resources of the valley.

Rachel's notes
On August 9 I returned to El Pital to find the mural process already in full swing with the help of Un Mundo volunteer Kate Veneer and Un Mundo Administrative Officer Adonis Cortez. Mirian had already purchased the mural supplies and had begun the research phase for the mural with the elementary school children of the village of El Naranjo.

Mirian and I then joined forces to complete and install the mural design. The final design uses a triptych to communicate the mural theme.  In the central frame a father (modeled after Mirian's father) sits with children at his feet sharing the story of the river valley where they live.  He speaks of the past and of the natural resources and ecology of the land.  In the two side panels land and animals are depicted to emphasize the importance of the environment.  Turtles, iguanas, birds, deer and several butterflies lead the viewer's eye throughout the vibrant composition. An arch of Mar Pacificos and Napolean flowers, both indigenous to the river valley, frames the composition.

An inauguration celebration was held at the school upon completion of the mural.  We celebrated with dance, music, and food provided by Mirian's family.  Mirian presented the mural meaning to the community and acknowledged all participants.  The community received the mural with great pride and happiness.

Much thanks and love to volunteers Joaquin Garcia, Tonatzin Maiz, and Kelly Bathgate, who joined the Mural Campesino's August excursion.  Joaquin is a pathology resident at UCSF who hopes to orchestrate a medical brigade in El Pital in the near future.   Joaquin's  expressive black and white photos of the trip were displayed Dec 4, 2003, at the Pond gallery in San Francisco (http://www.mucketymuck.org)

The art and theater workshops taught in the primary and high school were also a great success. Joaquin was able to take some outstanding photographs as well as evaluate the current state of the medical clinic (he also did an incredible job teaching Bob Marley songs to a group of eager high school students while filling in for an absent teacher).

In September, La Amistad Verdadera was completed by Mirian and her dedicated friends on a private wall.

Con Respecto,

Rachel McIntire
Mural Campesino Liaison