Public art has an undeniable way of transforming a space, creating stories on walls that resonate with both locals and visitors alike. Murals, in particular, have the power to capture a community's spirit, history, and collective identity in a vibrant and accessible way. In San Jose, one such mural has become a testament to the strength and resilience of its people—the Roosevelt Mural, created by artist Shayne Martin Oseguera. At 77 feet tall and 125 feet long, this breathtaking piece of art stands as a tribute to the diverse cultures, rich history, and vibrant future of one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. But the story behind this mural goes far beyond the brushstrokes. It’s a story of community, mentorship, and the transformative power of art.
Over the years, San Jose has become a hub for artists to express themselves publicly. The Roosevelt Mural stands as a perfect example of how these projects can spark conversations, inspire local pride, and celebrate the unique history of the area. It's not just about the art itself; it’s about what the art represents: a city that values diversity, creativity, and the power of artistic expression to create a more connected and compassionate community.
In 2017, San Jose saw the launch of its very first mural festival—a bold and exciting venture for a city that had never hosted anything quite like it before. What started as an ambitious idea quickly grew into a vibrant, city-wide celebration of art, culture, and creativity. Planning for the festival took two years of effort, with the goal of not only bringing artists to San Jose but also highlighting the importance of public art as a tool for social change.
San Jose Walls was built on the foundation of collaboration—both between artists and organizers and between the local community and the larger world of art. The organizers recognized that bringing artists together in an urban space would allow them to challenge conventional ideas of art while also making it more accessible to everyone, from seasoned art critics to children passing by on their way to school. This effort to bridge the gap between fine art and everyday life made the festival truly unique.
And although producing an event of this scale was no small feat, the results spoke for themselves. From the very first mural that adorned the city’s walls to the hundreds of new pieces that followed, the festival brought a fresh energy to San Jose. Artists could now see their work come to life in public spaces, and the city’s residents could engage with art in a way that felt both personal and communal.
One of the standout stories from this inaugural mural festival is that of Shayne Oseguera, a talented young artist who not only participated in the event but became an integral part of the festival's ongoing success. Traveling from San Diego, Shayne arrived with the simple but powerful mindset: “I’m here to help.” His enthusiasm and willingness to dive in and lend a hand made him an immediate asset to the team, and over the course of the event, his commitment and talent began to shine through.
During that week of whirlwind activity, the behind-the-scenes work often went unnoticed, but Shayne was there, from one site to the next, checking in and assisting wherever needed. His drive and motivation were contagious, sparking inspiration in those around him, including the festival’s organizers. Despite the physical and mental exhaustion that comes with producing a large-scale event, the presence of someone so passionate reminded everyone why they were there in the first place: to bring art to the community and to create lasting relationships.
After the festival, Shayne’s role continued to evolve. The relationships and connections he made during those early days turned into opportunities. He soon found himself managing projects for other artists who had participated in the festival. One of those projects was the 2018 mural in the Edenvale community, where Shayne’s work added a burst of color to the area, transforming not just a building, but the way the community interacted with their environment.
The Roosevelt Mural stands as a monumental work of art, not just for its physical size—measuring 77 feet tall and 125 feet long—but for the deep symbolism it represents within the community. Located at the Roosevelt Park Apartments, the mural’s central element, the towering Elephant Cactus, is both a visual anchor and a powerful metaphor for the community’s resilience and strength. The Elephant Cactus, or Cardon, is one of the largest and most impressive plants native to the Baja California landscape, growing up to 70 feet tall. Its massive presence in the mural serves as a tribute to the endurance of the residents in one of San Jose’s oldest neighborhoods, whose histories and struggles are woven into the fabric of the mural itself.
This artwork is more than a simple aesthetic addition to the building’s exterior. It tells the story of survival and adaptation—qualities shared by the neighborhood’s diverse population. The mural's composition transitions from the ocean to the west, representing the Pacific coast, to the desert to the east, bridging the gap between California and Baja California. It’s a narrative of the environment, a visual celebration of the natural beauty found in the region, and a reminder of the deep connection between the people and the land they inhabit.
The mural also reflects the local biodiversity, with vibrant colors and intricate details depicting the flora and fauna native to the area. But it’s the human element—the people interacting with the environment—that really grounds the mural in the community’s spirit. Among these figures is a 1964 Impala lowrider, a nod to the strong Mexican-American “Chicano” demographic that defines the area. This inclusion not only honors the cultural heritage of the neighborhood but also illustrates how art can unite past, present, and future through visual storytelling.
At its core, the mural speaks to the resilience of all the community’s demographics—how they’ve endured hardships and challenges, yet continue to adapt and survive. It’s a symbol of strength, hope, and the collective power of the people in San Jose’s Roosevelt neighborhood.
San Jose Walls doesn’t just beautify a city—it creates lasting relationships and foster a sense of shared purpose. Working on large-scale projects like the Roosevelt Mural often leads to more than just professional collaborations. It forms a network of mentors and mentees, a community of artists who build each other up, share knowledge, and contribute to one another’s growth. Shayne Oseguera’s involvement in the San Jose Walls Mural Festival was just the beginning of this type of artistic collaboration.
As an emerging artist, Shayne quickly found that being part of the festival was about more than just showcasing his work. It was an opportunity to learn from established artists, connect with curators, and grow as a professional in the mural arts scene. In turn, he became a mentor himself, sharing his experiences and lessons with other artists, including those who were just starting their careers.
The beauty of these mural festivals lies in their ability to bring people together—artists, community members, and organizers alike. Over time, these gatherings form a sense of camaraderie that extends well beyond the festival's dates. For example, Shayne’s role in the Roosevelt Mural project was not just as an artist but also helping to coordinate efforts with other artists and ensure that the vision for the mural was realized. His journey from a festival participant to a key figure in major projects underscores how mentorship and collaboration are integral to the growth of the arts scene.
These festivals and the lasting friendships they foster have a ripple effect that impacts more than just the artists themselves. They contribute to the broader cultural landscape, enriching the city and providing future generations of artists with the support, guidance, and opportunity they need to thrive.
The Roosevelt Mural stands as a testament to the lasting impact of art in our communities. It’s not just a striking visual on the side of a building; it’s a living, breathing part of the fabric of San Jose—a place where history, culture, and creativity come together to tell a story of strength, resilience, and unity. What began as a vision during the 2017 mural festival has blossomed into a lasting legacy, not only for the artists involved but for the entire city.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that murals like the Roosevelt Mural will continue to inspire and shape the cultural landscape of San Jose. They act as beacons, guiding us toward a more vibrant, inclusive, and creative community. And as these works of art continue to grow, evolve, and be appreciated by new generations, so too will the bonds forged through these shared experiences.
For those who haven’t yet had the chance to see the Roosevelt Mural, it’s a must-visit. It’s a place to reflect on the strength of the community, the beauty of the art, and the power of murals to transform not just walls, but lives. As we continue to support artists and public art projects, we’re investing in a richer, more connected future for all.
Location: corner of East Santa Clara and North 21st Streets.
Thank you to our team for your support in making this installation happen!
Marc Wallace, Haley Cardamon, Stacey Kellogg, Jennifer Ahn, Stephen Longoria
Final photos by Lan Nguyen