18' x 60' Mural titled 'Victory & Rhythm'

Gardenland Northgate Neighborhood Association | District 3 Sacramento

Project Overview

I recently had the chance to work with the amazing folks at the Gardenland Northgate Neighborhood Association (GNNA). They’re all about improving quality of life, safety, and beautification — bringing the community, city, and local organizations together to make Northgate a place everyone can feel proud of.

After receiving funding through Sacramento Arts & Culture, GNNA moved quickly to make it happen. Three artists (including me!) were chosen to bring these visions to life in District 3, and they brought us in not just to paint — but to collaborate, listen, and help tell Northgate’s story.

Creative Process

We started by meeting with stakeholders and community members for a big idea session. Everyone showed up with their hopes, their stories, and their vision for what this mural could be. I loved hearing from so many different voices — it was clear that this piece needed to feel like everyone’s.

From there, the team went into sketch mode, getting all those ideas down on paper. After a few rounds of tweaks and approvals (and excited “oohs” from the group), we moved on to mockups and final concepts. But one of my favorite parts was hosting a community paint day! We outlined part of the wall with a paint-by-numbers design so that families, kids, and neighbors could literally leave their mark. It wasn’t just about watching a mural go up — it was about being part of it from the start.

The final mural, called Victory & Rhythm, is 18 feet tall by 60 feet wide, and let me tell you — it’s bursting with color and movement. We included symbolic monarch butterflies (because transformation and migration are such powerful parts of this community’s story), dynamic folklorico dancers (representing rhythm, celebration, and tradition), and bright marigolds, which are meaningful in Dia de los Muertos and symbolize both beauty and remembrance.

The mural really came to life as this bold, joyful representation of the neighborhood’s identity. It’s vibrant, playful, and thoughtful — and every element was designed with intention. This wall didn’t just get painted — it got a heartbeat.

The Outcome

Artists from left to right: Beth Rubel, Jeff Harris (Former city Councilmember for District), LR KREATIONS (LIliana), Brooke Correa

Community Paint Day

The Impact

Taco Plaza

But here’s the really cool part: this mural didn’t just stop at making the wall pretty. It sparked a bigger conversation and a partnership that led to something called Taco Plaza. Yes, it’s as awesome as it sounds! Taco Plaza is set to become a community space where local food trucks can show off the flavors of the neighborhood, surrounded by gardens and green spaces that invite people to hang out, celebrate, and connect.

Taco Plaza is about more than food (although…yum). It’s about economic growth, giving local entrepreneurs a place to thrive, and creating opportunities for gatherings, music festivals, and cultural events. It’s going to be that spot where families come together, friends meet up, and neighbors celebrate their shared heritage. It all started with one mural — and now it’s becoming a hub of community pride, connection, and growth. Moments like this remind me why I love what I do — art truly has the power to transform.

Gardenland Northgate Neighborhood Association (GNNA)

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