Internationally acclaimed illustrator and muralist joins South Tahoe High students

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Not only did internationally acclaimed illustrator and artist Rafael López came to South Lake Tahoe last week to speak to local first graders during Gift of Literacy day at Lake Tahoe Community College, but he also stopped by South Tahoe High School (STHS) and worked with students on a large mural.

In just six hours López showed the students how to create not only a work of art from several large blank panels, he also showed how to create community by collaboration and teamwork and celebrate diversity, literacy and aspiration.

López developed a love for murals by artist Diego Rivera and others during his childhood in Mexico City. He eventually became a founder of the Urban Art Trail movement in San Diego’s East Village, creating a series of large-scale murals that brought the community together. López’s murals can be found in urban areas, at children’s hospitals, public schools, under freeways, and at farmer’s markets around the country.

And now they can be found in South Lake Tahoe!

López said the students learned that art is flexible and what is initially sketched can change and grow as the process goes along.

For the STHS project student Sydney Hust, a junior, drew up the initial sketch and the rest of the students grew that idea until they had a finished project.

The students that participated were chosen by teachers at the high school, the only requirement was a passion for the arts. Their work of art will be hung in a communal space at the South Lake Tahoe campus where everyone can enjoy it.

The artist was able to come to STHS through a grant by PABA (South Tahoe High Performing & Visual Arts Booster Association).

López has illustrated seven United States postal stamps, including for the popular Latin Music Legend Series. In 2008 and 2012, he created official campaign posters for the Obama/Biden campaign to help win the Latino vote. López lives and works in an industrial loft in downtown San Diego and at his home/studio in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.