Bloomberg Asphalt Art Initiative Ribbon Cutting & Opening Celebration
“Funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the art design is inspired by Zapotec and Mixtec artisanal weaving, which reflects the culture of the Oaxacan agricultural workers who help to make the weekly Santa Barbara Farmers Market possible.
Lead Project Artist Eduardo Jimenez, a Zapotec weaver, and Lead Graphic Artist Irene Ramirez, hosted a series of workshops at the Farmers Market to develop the design. The opening celebration will highlight local Oaxacan culture and feature live music and dance performances by Danza Flor Bonita, Grupo Folklórico Hauxyacac, Banda Filarmónica Narciso Lico Carrillo LA, and the artisan puppets of Oaxacreation Monos de Calenda.
The City of Santa Barbara was selected as one of ten North American cities to receive a $100,000 Asphalt Art Initiative grant. The project transforms the State Street and Carrillo Street intersection into a welcoming community gathering space that supports the weekly Farmers Market while enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists," said the City of Santa Barbara.