Mission Hills-based artist Lalo Garcia has installed a topical mural in San Fernando titled “Children in Cages,” depicting the federal program dealing with the detention of migrant children at the border, it was announced Thursday.
The temporary mural pilot program and inaugural installation was approved by the San Fernando City Council in September, and is in support of a coalition of artists using art to keep immigration in the forefront of the national policy discussion.
The eight-foot by eight-foot installation depicts children in a room behind a physical chain link fence and was placed on the city-owned wrought iron fence located in the Civic Center parking lot at the corner of First Street and Maclay Avenue, facing the bike path.
“The San Fernando City Council is honored to partner with local artist Lalo Garcia to bring awareness of the continued federal policy that keeps immigrant children in cages,” said Mayor Sylvia Ballin.
“This temporary mural installation is part of a new pilot program being developed by the city to allow murals in public places.”
The mural is expected to be on display at its current location until March.