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We are thankful to have been part of this passion project that was in the making for many years: a new library and haven for the community members of Irwindale. In collaboration with designer Rachel Duarte Design Studio, Source Art had the pleasure of directing, guiding, and managing the creation of five murals that make meaningful focal points throughout the library, with each of them relating to Irwindale’s history, community, and surroundings.

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The Reference Desk mural

Hattas Studios

This stunning mural was brought to life through another enjoyable and successful collaboration with Hattas Studios. The Irwindale library project team was looking for an exquisite plein air mural painting that reflects the local scenery and evokes a warm and inviting feeling.

Hattas Studios Visit by Source Art and Irwindale team with Jeanine Hattas and Ian Burgess

The color palette complements the library’s design and architectural elements, and the composition creates a striking focal point as one approaches the Reference desk from the entry - a perfect balance between the more muted tones of the dry Southern Californian landscape and the lush pop of colors that grace our surroundings during springtime.
The Reference Desk mural, installed and framed with a custom oak frame crafted from the cured and milled wood of the oak tree that previously stood in the new library's place.
Photo by Lacey Wood Photography 
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The Children's Area mural

Nichole Blackburn - Celadon Studio

In the library’s children's area, we incorporated the vibrant colors and energy of the rug and furnishings in order to create an energetic, engaging, playful, and whimsical mural painting. The composition represents the children of the Irwindale community, with diversity, inclusion, and curiosity - just what childhood looks like nowadays. We had the pleasure of collaborating with Nichole Blackburn, founder and owner of Celadon Studio, who implemented this mural with utmost care and attention to detail, and love for her craft.

Nichole's process: transferring the design and painting on the designated mural wall

We particularly love the darling details of the overall composition


The city logo tile mosaic is ready to be placed into the designated floor inset

The finished mural in the Children’s area will bring excitement and joy to little readers!
Photo by Lacey Wood Photography

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The Learning Center

Hattas Studios

The Learning Center’s mural design creates a colorful and inviting space, complementing the design elements for a composed and activated space. The oak branch integrated into the intricate color-block design refers to the city’s native trees, and more specifically to a beautiful old oak tree that stood tall in the place of the new library.

Color swatches on the wall and the mural painting in process



The completed Learning Center mural. 
Photo by Lacey Wood Photography

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The Founding Mothers mural

Kristy Sandoval and José Antonio Aguirre

Located in the library’s entryway, this mixed-media mural will be a vital part of the library, paying homage to the city’s founders and mothers, as well as inspiring future generations and leaders. With a metaphorical mother as the central figure, and the 4 women symbolizing seasons of life, the elements, and the diverse heritage of Irwindale’s citizens, it's a vibrant representation of the city's history, close-knit community, family, unity, and cultural heritage.

This mural is truly dedicated to Irwindale's community, with members and representatives being extensively involved in the design and approval process, guided by Source Art and the artists during numerous community & council meetings leading up to the final design and implementation phase.

Design sketch of the Founding Mothers mural and cut-out area showing where the mosaic river and sun will live on the wall
Artists Kristy Sandoval and Jose Antonio Aguirre did a wonderful job translating the community's shares and wishes into a strong composition, enhanced through the mix of media such as vintage photos, tile mosaic, mural painting, and selected rocks from Irwindale’s quarries.

Artist Jose Antonio Aguirre and community members working on the mosaic river and sun








Jose Antonio Aguirre Studio is also designing, fabricating, and installing a beautiful tile mosaic of the Irwindale city logo, which will make for an exciting architectural element in the library's entryway, perfectly complementing the Founding Mothers mural.

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The Name Wall

Source Art

We are thrilled with how the Name Wall in the Adult Collection area turned out! The carefully designed mural was printed with a faded background, carefully matched to blend in seamlessly with the wall color. The paragraphs display the family names of Irwindale’s citizens, and the subtle textured background creates the illusion of aged paper, giving this area a sense of meaning and nostalgia.






















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