The New Suenos Mural

Call for Artists: Reimagining La Vida es Un Sueño

Community Mural Restoration & Collaboration Project — Barrio Logan, San Diego

The Barrio Artists Partnership invites artists, art students, and cultural advocates to join in the re-creation of the beloved mural La Vida es Un Sueño, originally painted in 2009 and tragically destroyed in March 2025.

This new collaborative mural project honors the legacy of cross-border art and dreams shared between San Diego and Mexicali, while affirming the power of community resilience and Chicano cultural expression. Led by mural artist Mario Torero, organizer Sarah Bella Mondragon, and members of the original Mexicali artist team, including Eduardo Quintero and Pablo Casteneda, this is an opportunity to make history — and protect it.

We’re looking for:

  • Community-based artists with mural or public art experience

  • Emerging artists and art students interested in hands-on learning and cultural storytelling

  • Artists who believe in the values of collaboration, social justice, and border unity

Project Details

  • Mural Location: 2185 Logan Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113

  • Mural Theme: La Vida es Un Sueño – celebrating intergenerational dreams, community power, and Chicano-Mexicano solidarity

  • Timeline: Design work begins in June 2025, with painting scheduled for late June, July 2025

  • Compensation: Volunteer-based with community recognition; stipends may become available pending funding

  • Protection: Mural will be sealed with graffiti-resistant coating to ensure long-term preservation

To Apply, Please Submit:

  • 2–4 images of previous artwork (murals preferred, but not required)

  • A short statement (max 250 words) about why you want to be part of this project

  • Your availability for summer 2025 (June–August)

  • Optional: Links to your website or social media

Deadline to Apply: Friday, June 14, 2025, Please fill out and submit form below.
Questions to: info@barrioartists.org
Subject line: Suenos Mural Artist Submission

Why This Matters

The original La Vida es Un Sueño mural was a vibrant expression of cross-border unity, youth empowerment, and community love. Its sudden removal was a painful loss — but this is our moment to reclaim the wall, and make it stronger than before.