Artwork copyright Daniel Galvez. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Daniel Galvez. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Daniel Galvez. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Learning to Fly, 1997

Daniel Galvez
(Mexican American, born 1953)

Location: Pioneer Elementary, Sunnyside

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Learning to Fly is an inspiring mural created by artist Daniel Galvez. It features diverse people engaged in different forms of scientific, social, and cultural exploration. The artwork celebrates Pioneer Elementary's vibrant community of teachers and learners in Central Washington.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Sunnyside School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Oakland, California-based artist Daniel Galvez creates murals for public spaces. His artworks are inspired by his Mexican heritage and the legacy of community-focused artworks created by the great Mexican muralists Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco. In his own words, "The overarching goal in many of my commissions is a celebration of the spirit of individuals and the strength of community. I weave together elements of landscape, culture, and most importantly, individuals, into a cohesive visual narrative."

Galvez was born in Calexico, California. He began his career as a muralist in the 1970s during the contemporary mural movement. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the California College of Arts and Crafts and a Master of Arts degree in painting from San Francisco State University in 1979.