Celebrate Older Americans Month by honoring San Diego elders who are a testament to the value of hard work, spiritual integrity, and commitment to others. San Diego County Library is launching its newest art exhibit – San Diego Legends: Living Well. This annual recognition is comprised of painted portraits, photographs, and impact statements about six local elders who lead by example.
The exhibit opening and reception will take place on Friday, May 31 at 6 p.m. at the Rancho San Diego Branch, 11555 Via Rancho San Diego, and include a meet and greet with artist Mona Mills and the San Diego Legends themselves, plus refreshments and performances by the Soaring Eagles Youth Group and Ballet Folklorico Aquetzalli of Lemon Grove.
This year’s Legends are:
Salvador Barajas (pictured): One of the original San Diego Chicano Park muralists
Phebe Burnham: Ninety-three year old award-winning artist
Rita Cloud: Community leader who fought against racism and raised funds and awareness to build the El Cajon Library
Carmen Duron: Worked in the fields with Cesar Chavez and the Farm Workers Union; advocates for elders through work with Adult Protective Services
Randy Edmonds: Southern California Tribal Elder, community organizer, and activist
Gordy Shields: Ninety-five year old record-setting bicyclist and bicyclist rights activist
“This collective of individuals demonstrate that people from all walks of life can, with a clear sense of mission and purpose, positively impact their neighbors, our region, and the world,” said Library Director José Aponte.
The Legends exhibit will rotate among all SDCL branches after the opening reception. For more information, visit www.sdcl.org/legends.