“I think the first two panels really represent the players,” Vargas said. “And the third panel is facing toward Dodger Stadium and represents more of the men tipping their hats toward Dodger Stadium to say thank you, goodbye, and welcome to the neighborhood.” ” That gesture says a lot. ”
Vargas started painting the mural on the morning of October 22nd. Valenzuela died later that day. Vargas worked hard over the next 10 days, sometimes giving up food and sleep, to complete the first two panels in time for presentation on November 3rd. The third panel was completed a week later.
“It really became a community mural and people were there and when I was painting the mural, there were hundreds of people there every day if you add it all up,” Vargas said. “And it became a real source of comfort, a source of discussion, a source of culture, a source of cultural pride.
“So it wasn’t necessarily just a monument or just an altar, it was also a celebration of who we are as a people and what we can achieve if we persevere and work hard. It was more than a still image. And I understood that, which is why I spent all this time.”
Vargas said Valenzuela’s wife, Linda, and other family members of the Dodgers pitcher were among those who frequented his workplace. Mr. Vargas attended the public funeral mass on Nov. 6 and said one of Mr. Valenzuela’s sons mentioned the mural during a speech.
“This mural clearly resonated with them,” Vargas said. “His wife Linda told me that there was Fernando in that mural and that she could see Fernando 100%. She was very, very kind and the family was very kind to it. I’m just humbled to be able to portray them and do the right thing next to them.”
