photo by Christina Garner

In a troubling incident for the local community, the renowned “Niños del Mundo” mural at Lemon Park in Fullerton has been vandalized. This vibrant artwork, which showcases 13 children from various regions around a bright blue Earth, is a significant piece of public art that represents Mexican American identity and cultural heritage.

The Lemon Park Murals, consisting of eight distinct panels, were created in 1978 with the involvement of community youth. They were restored in 1998 by celebrated local artist Emigdio Vasquez, who played a pivotal role in this artistic endeavor.

More recently, in 2019, Vasquez’s son, Emigdio “Higgy” Vasquez Jr., undertook the task of restoring his father’s work. With financial support from the city, he aimed to ensure that the mural not only reflects the cultural diversity of the community but also stands the test of time. The “Niños del Mundo” mural, positioned prominently in the park, serves as an important visual representation of youth and global unity.

Community members have expressed their dismay over the vandalism, emphasizing the mural’s importance as a symbol of hope and togetherness. Local leaders are now rallying to address the vandalism and support efforts to restore the mural to its former glory. Read the full story here: https://www.ocregister.com/2019/08/12/restoration-starts-on-fullertons-ninos-del-mundo-mural/

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