Art imitates life in Concord mural

CONCORD, CA (Oct. 14, 2021) – Visit Concord just unveiled a new 20-foot mural that celebrates life in our town with bright colors, vivid imagery and lots of familiar details.

Concord artist Arsenio Baca created the mural, which was installed outdoors on the back patio of Visit Concord’s Salvio Pacheco Square office. Baca’s work features sunbeams shining brightly behind Mt. Diablo in the center, surrounded by the warm, female energy of Mother Nature with iconic local scenes like the drive-in, the water slides and a BART train coming ’round the bend.

Flanked by glowing poppies and a custom license plate, the mural also highlights our appreciation for California living. Baca gave a nod to the Concord Art Association (CAA) inside the movie screen as a thank you for recommending him to the Visit Concord team.

“This mural has been our passion project for a while now. We are inspired by the art that continues to pop up throughout Concord, thanks to CAA,” says Elaine Cortez Schroth, CEO and president of Visit Concord.

“Arsenio Baca’s thoughtful mural is the perfect mix of art and culture, and it highlights Concord’s commitment to our artist community,” Schroth adds. “We are proud to have his work as a significant part of our offices, and we invite everyone to come see this beautiful tribute to his (and our) hometown.”

Murals for the masses

Baca has many great childhood memories of growing up here.

“From a young age, I really took to all the hidden trails around town, and I’ve always had a deep fascination with Mt. Diablo. Going to the Solano Drive-In with my family was a special treat as a kid, too,” he says.

“I used to love drawing cartoons and anime when I was young. I remember always doing well with creative projects in school,” he recalls.

His biggest artistic influence as a child was his Uncle Jorge, an abstract artist who painted huge canvases.

“I was always fascinated by him and the fact that he was a working artist right up until he passed away in 1996. Ever since, I’ve had crazy experiences that make me feel like he has somehow been following my art journey, still helping me along the way.”

Baca was introduced to murals while attending Sequoia Middle School in Pleasant Hill.

His art teacher recognized his talents and encouraged him to design and paint a mural at the school.

“It’s still there, my tribute to Bob Marley on one of the classroom walls,” Baca points out, adding that the experience had a profound impact later in his life.

“After focusing mostly on sports in high school and college, I didn’t pick up a paintbrush again until right after graduation to create another mural. Even after all those years, I was happy to discover I’d still retained my basic skills.”

Then, he was hooked. You can also find his murals at Vinnie’s Bar & Grill and Pine Hollow Middle School.

“Murals are the most rewarding for me to make because they are meant for the people. Art is often tied to some type of ownership or price tag. But with a mural, everyone who can see it is a stakeholder and they don’t have to buy it to enjoy it,” Baca says. “I want to keep making public art to give future generations the same kinds of creative inspiration that I grew up with. That means more to me as an artist than anything else.”

Finding his path

His process for designing the Visit Concord piece required a bit of patience and a lot of trial and error.

“I had to figure out the composition first to get all the different elements mapped out, then jump in with a color scheme that would take it to the next level,” Baca explains.

“I like to add lots of details with varying scale to draw the observer in so that a story emerges, which can be different for everyone. Part of the thrill of making art is hearing people’s interpretations of my work and what it means to them.”

Art has given Baca a true path in life.

“Before I really dedicated myself to art, I felt lost and aimless. I tried to fit in with the people around me, but I couldn’t really tell you who I was until I found myself with art. It has tested every foundation of my being,” he describes.

He believes it’s not enough to just paint well; there must be something of substance behind it.

“An artist must be able to tear down the walls we build to protect ourselves from the outside world, in order to present what is truly inside,” he says. “Art helps me rediscover myself and remember what my true nature is. I’m still that kid who admires his uncle’s passion for creativity.”

For more of Baca’s work, visit abacaart.com.

Related story: Murals ‘for everyone’ joining Concord’s cityscape in June. (Pioneer, Apr. 2022)