People of all ages were invited to paint at the Excelsior District’s Mamá Art Cafe on July 6. The Art For The People event was organized by América Jiménez de Lara.
Jiménez de Lara has become an advocate for the arts, hosting public events in response to cuts in affordable art programs for youth. She hosts these events as a way of raising community awareness and appreciation of art. “Art can bring neighborhoods together and embrace diversity,” she said.
Excelsior resident Shirley Dela Cruz decided to take a few minutes of her time to paint flowers as a sign of love and to show her love for the cafe. Through collaborative painting, people were free to paint on each others’ canvases provided that each participant’s work was respected.
Mamá Art Cafe is located on 4754 Mission St., between Persia and Russia streets in San Francisco.