STOCKTON, CA — Downtown Stockton is sporting a new look with the unveiling of a butterfly-themed mural on the side of a city parking structure at the intersection of E. Market Street and California Street. The mural, titled "Winged Wanderers," features monarch butterflies soaring over a map of Stockton and is the work of local artist Charly Malpass.
This public art piece marks the first installment funded by a new arts grant program initiated by the city. Kris Farro, the community services director for the city of Stockton, shared insights during the unveiling. “This 'Winged Wanderer' is our first mural completed under this project. Two more will be completed with funds from last year, and then we’ll be launching a new round of applications,” Farro stated.
The city has committed $50,000 annually since 2023 to support the creation of murals on city-owned properties, aiming to invigorate Stockton's urban landscape. Anuit Albahara, a volunteer with the Stockton Arts Commission, praised the initiative: “It's beautiful. It adds color and life to this drab downtown/neutral environment. I was born and raised here, so this is really progress.”
The program is open to all artists, who can apply annually during a window of about a month and a half. Artists have the freedom to propose projects for any city-owned property they believe could benefit from an artistic enhancement. “We do have a recommended list of places that the city has identified as needing some vibrancy,” Farro added.
For artists interested in contributing to Stockton’s cultural scene or anyone wanting more information about the mural grant program, resources are available at the city’s official website or by calling the Stockton community services department directly at (209) 937-8206.
