It is predicated on the principle that language emerges from community and meaningful sharing rather than from grammar books and tiresome drills. I have invited common-folk from Mexico to help teach these courses to people from throughout the country interested in learning what is quickly becoming our country’s second language. Not surprisingly, the fruits of this endeavor have created a greater respect and understanding between people who otherwise would not have met or worked together, and in many cases, genuine friendship and the emergence of a strong multiethnic sense of community.

El Portal is also becoming a training ground for young mural artists and the development of a mural painting and mural application strategy for the nearby City of Espanola. This initiative represents an effort to jog and nourish the consciousness of its residents about things that matter or should matter (natural resources; their ecological use and preservation, history, human aspirations of all kinds, health, beauty, etc.) while abating the growing tide of graffiti and the general listlessness of many of the city’s youth.

As the dots between real need and available resources continue to connect in my life and work, I am finally able to contribute what is needed in the development of strong healthy communities and sustainable economies, rather than responding to false economic and societal pressures that diminish community and well-being.

Alejandro Lopez lives and works in Santa Cruz, NM. He is the painter of numerous murals in the Espanola Valley and is currently producing a book on Santa Fe’s history. Alejandro holds a Masters degree in Art Education from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA and a BFA degree from the Corcoran School of Art, Washington, D.C. Email: alej@cybermesa.com