A Historical Mural is Restored at Estrada Courts Public Housing

A mural dedication ceremony at Estrada Courts public housing in East Los Angeles highlighted the importance of restoring these historical art pieces. Ernesto de la Loza's mural, Organic Stimulus was originally painted in 1975. 

“It's important that we preserve the murals at Estrada Courts, not only for historical reasons, but also for the beauty they provide to Estrada Courts.  Estrada Courts is considered "the site of the 1970's birth of the Chicano Mural Art Movement," said Isabel Rojas-Williams, Executive Director of Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles (MCLA). 

“Before it [Organic Stimulus] was restored it was pale in color and almost disappearing with graffiti on its face,” said Ana Fe Santa Ana, Estrada Courts property manager. “Now the vibrant colors are back. In September of 2011, Isabel was hoping that she would get funds to have this mural restored.”

The MCLA secured grant funds from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs for this project. The restoration began on January 2, 2012 and completed February 29, 2012.

The Authority and MCLA are working together to restore other similar murals in East Los Angeles.