Emanuel Martinez

In 1965 Chican@ muralist and painter, Emanuel Martinez  graduated from the underfunded and underestimated Manual High School. From an early age he knew he wanted to pursue art but actively sought to resist racial discrimination in schools. He founded a MEChA (Moviemento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán) chapter on campus. Following his senior year at Manual, he enrolled at Metropolitan State College of Denver but similar to Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales whom also graduated from Manual, was forced to leave due to financial difficulties. At this point was an active member of the Crusade for Justice. ~Amy Hernandez

Painted in 1971 by Emanuel Martinez, "Eyes on the Park" (or "Shades") reveals the strong unity and diversity of the surrounding community.   -written by Molly Kimbley

Across from the Sun Valley housing projects, Emanuel Martinez painted this mural with fellow Chicano artists (Elfego Baca, Ernie Gallegos, Roberto Roybal, and Carlos Sandoval) and with many of the neighborhood's children. It is Denver's largest mural and portrays opposing images of hope and deterioration. On hope's side is an agricultural family and romanticized image of Chicano life. The conflicting sight of deterioration is symbolic of danger and death due to drug use.   -written by Molly Kimbley

Emanuel Martinez helped establish La Alma Recreation Center in 1972. His mural "La Alma," formed as a community project in 1978, exists on the building as a tribute to the neighborhood and its colorful soul. Its imagery reflects notions of balance, past and present, urban and rural.   -written by Molly Kimbley