Murrieta Middle-Schooler Creates Public Art Honoring MLK

TEMECULA, CA — A temporary public art piece created by a local student in celebration of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and February's Black History Month is now on display and will be officially unveiled by the city of Temecula at 3 p.m. Tuesday.

The mural at Sam Hicks Monument Park (28300 Mercedes Street, Temecula) is part of the Student Art Mural Project that seeks to support emerging artists by providing a space for them to showcase their works.

Each month, student artists have the opportunity — facilitated by Bigfoot Graphics — to create a mural on varying topics.

The King piece was created by 12-year-old artist AJ Pederson from Murrieta's Shivela Middle School, with contributions from Kaia Bo and Landon Stingle.

"I want this mural to inspire people of all ages to pick up a pencil and start drawing," AJ said. "I am so thankful for this opportunity and the support of my parents and Bigfoot Art."

AJ was asked to create a mural in celebration of Monday's Martin Luther King Day and in support of the Temecula Valley Museum's American Black History Month celebrations in February.

The artwork features King as he delivers his most famous "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. The emotional Aug. 28, 1963, speech that drew thousands from across the country advocated for civil rights and called for an end to racism.

“So even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal," King told the crowd. (Read the speech's full transcript and listen to it here.)

In a released statement, city of Temecula Mayor Matt Rahn said, “Temecula celebrates the life and message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with this mural. This outstanding piece of public art depicting a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement [was] created by a 12-year-old student with a remarkable talent. We are excited to celebrate their achievement and are proud to invite our community out to celebrate this very important legacy.”

Local art students are invited to paint murals on canvas that will be displayed in Sam Hicks Monument Park monthly. AJ Pederson's Student Art Mural is now displayed and will be unveiled officially at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18. All are welcome to attend the unveiling. The museum will also celebrate American Black History Month through facts and free crafts in the Temecula Valley Woman’s Club Art and Education Room. For more information, call 951-694-6450.