Unexpected Heights
Designed and painted by Elba Raquel, assisted by Safi ‘Chachaa’ Kolosvari-Regalado
Supported and commissioned by Resources for Community Development Housing
In partnership with Resources for Community Development Housing, Local Color worked with artist and educator, Elba Raquel, to design and paint this exterior mural on Quetzal Gardens located on 7 N King St, San Jose.
After conducting a community vote online and in-person, Elba Raquel and her proposed design were selected by voters and RCD’s team to be installed on the affordable housing complex’s Alum Rock Avenue facing wall. Raquel, who grew up in East San Jose, pays homage to the community, neighborhood, and residence with the vibrant quetzal birds now adorning the building that shares its namesake.
Raquel is currently scheduled to complete the second half of this project on the interior courtyard of Quetzal Gardens. More to come!
Photos by Stuart Rhodes
Flying without constraint and in harmony with each other, the quetzal bird represents freedom and unity, like the hearts of our East Side San Jose residents. In constant motion and communication, dancing or working, the colorful ESSJ community continues to uplift each other, beyond boundaries, to achieve unexpected heights.
— Elba Raquel
