After more than a month of bringing Oaxacan art to the forefront, the Alebrijes & Nahuales Fantastic: Animals from Mexico exhibit of eight tall colorful sculptures throughout the City of Salinas comes to an end.
The closing ceremony from 4-8pm, will take place on Friday, Sept. 4 at One Main Street, where several original smaller sculptures are located. The free event will include many activities happening both inside and outside the building throughout the evening.
“Please take your family and friends to see the remaining sculptures while they are still here in Salinas," shared Supervisor Luis Alejo on social media. “[The Sculptures] are truly amazing works of public art and a beautiful celebration of Mexican culture, Oaxacan artistry, creativity and imagination.”
These animal sculptures consist of the Coyote in front of One Main Street, The Dog in front of the Star Market, The Cat outside Vineyard Church, and The Armadillo in front of Sherwood Hall. Three of the sculptures are at the Northridge Mall including; The Catbird, The Lionbull and The Rabbit.
The Happy Alien at the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex has now been removed since the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 1.
“This exhibit has placed Salinas on the map,” said Salinas Valley Chamber CEO, Colleen Bailey in a statement. “This is a celebration of the arts as no other, generating well over a million impressions on social media.”
During the Friday event, people can expect performances from the Salinas High School Jazz Band, Guelaguetza Salinas and the cumbia group Qiensave. The event will also highlight art from Gavilan Middle School students.
The community will also be able to gather for First Fridays while giving farewell to the summer and the tall colorful animals sculptures as fall begins.