About the Project: The Park Avenue Storefront Revitalization Project is a creative place-making effort along Park Avenue in the Eastside Riverside, CA. Project was created by Riverside Art Museum and lead by artist-in-residence Juan Navarro and selected emerging artist Rosy Cortez. The artists sought input from Riverside Community Health Foundation, the Residents of Eastside Active in Leadership group, and the Resident Leadership Academy. The project focused on rejuvenating storefronts along Park Avenue in the Eastside to contribute to neighborhood vitality, safety, and economic development. Project was funded by US Bank and created with community members over the span of 6 months and included over 200 local volunteers throughout the project scope.

Theme reflects the Mexican restaurant “El Trigo” (wheat) on Park Avenue. Mural depicts local neighborhood resident Vanessa Cazares surrounded with traditional Mexican embroidery. Embroidery was designed by Rosy Cortez and painted by neighborhood volunteers to emphasize the beauty of an interwoven community.