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Public Art Commission selects Luis Barajas for Tustin Family and Youth Center community mural
Summary
The Tustin Public Art Commission voted Jan. 21 to name Luis Barajas the preferred artist for a community‑engagement mural at the Tustin Family and Youth Center, with Tau Plus RFX 1 named as an alternate; the commission emphasized experience working with community volunteers and Spanish‑language outreach.
The Tustin Public Art Commission on Jan. 21 selected artist Luis Barajas as the preferred artist to lead a community‑engagement mural at the Tustin Family and Youth Center. Chairperson Lomax moved the selection and Commissioner Christy Martin seconded; the motion passed by voice vote.
Staff told the commission they issued a call for artists and prescreened applicants using a three‑star rubric that prioritized demonstrable community‑engagement experience; Spanish‑language ability was listed as a preferred bonus. Alyssa Ross, the staff member who managed artist recruitment, said the gold star indicated strong community‑engagement experience and that about 11 applicants met that requirement.
Commissioners said they weighed both the ability to involve residents in painting and the stylistic fit for three exterior stucco walls near the building’s parking lot. Commissioner McMillan and others noted they sought artists whose designs could be adapted for a community “paint‑by‑numbers” installation so neighborhood volunteers could help apply the mural during two planned community meetings. Commissioner Poliwal and Chairperson Lomax each cited Barajas’s local projects and experience working with students and volunteers.
Chairperson Lomax moved, “I would like to move that we approve Luis Barajas for our Tustin Family and Youth Center community engagement project, with a backup of Tau Plus RFX 1.” The motion was seconded and approved by the commission.
The decision makes Barajas the commission’s preferred artist; staff said the selected artist’s design will return to the commission and then to City Council for final approval before implementation. Commissioners also discussed outreach methods — in‑person site meetings, posters at the center and social‑media engagement — to reach the predominantly Spanish‑speaking Southwest Tustin community.
Next steps: staff will follow up with Barajas to schedule the community‑engagement meetings and return to the commission with a final design for approval and the schedule for implementation.
