The Gustine Historical Society is undertaking the creation of a mural at the Al Goman Center, meant to celebrate Gustine's rich history, chronicling the town's journey from its beginnings up to 1915.

The mural project was recently presented to the Gustine City Council and was described as an artistic endeavor and a community-driven effort to preserve and promote the town's heritage for future generations.

"Our main goal was to show our youth the history of our great town from its inception up to 1915," said Gustine Historical Society President Mary Ann Bloom at the meeting. "We also looked at similar projects in other communities, particularly Riverbank, where we connected with our artist and visited her installations in Riverbank. This helped us envision what could be possible for Gustine."
The selection process for the mural's content was a comprehensive and collaborative effort, Bloom explained. The Gustine Historical Society, led by local historian Pat Snoke, meticulously reviewed an extensive collection of historical photographs and documents. "We formed a committee of five members, and together, we brainstormed what we wanted to be featured on the mural," explained Bloom. "With Pat Snoke’s guidance, we sifted through volumes of pictures and ideas, ultimately deciding on eight key picture boxes that would best represent our town's history."

The committee's dedication to accurately representing Gustine's history was evident in their rigorous selection process. "It was important for us to involve members of the community and gather their input. This ensured that the mural would reflect the collective memory and pride of Gustine," said Linda Ouse, a member of the Gustine Historical Society.

The artistic process for the mural involves using high-quality, lightfast, and non-fading paints to ensure the mural's longevity. The artist, Alexandra Riddle, begins by sketching the mural's outline on a lift, carefully planning each section before bringing it to life with vibrant colors and intricate details.

"I read through a comprehensive book on Gustine's history and reviewed a massive amount of pictures. We condensed the information into 10 key themes, which I then incorporated into the mural," Riddle shared. "To keep the mural organized and visually appealing, we decided on a postcard-style presentation, with each of the eight picture boxes representing different aspects of Gustine's history."

Creating such a detailed and historically accurate mural came with its challenges. The team had to condense extensive historical documents and images into a cohesive and engaging piece of art.

"We worked with about 50 pages of material, narrowing it down to the most significant elements," Riddle recalled. "It was a daunting task, but also incredibly rewarding. Learning about Gustine’s history was fascinating, and we were committed to doing justice to the town’s rich past."
The mural is designed to resonate with both long-time residents and newcomers to Gustine. "We hope to promote the history and educate people about the town's heritage," noted Bloom. "Whether they come from pioneer families or are new to the area, understanding the history of their community can foster a deeper connection and sense of pride."

The Al Goman Center, a key building that has been visited and used by many throughout the years, serves as the perfect location for this historical tribute. "The mural will not only beautify the center but also serve as a constant reminder of our shared history and the values that have shaped Gustine," Bloom said.

The decision on which historical elements to include in the mural was made with careful consideration. "In consultation with Pat Snoke, we focused on what would be most impactful and historically significant," they explained. "We decided to feature key events and figures up to 1915, ensuring a comprehensive portrayal of Gustine’s early years."

Funding for the mural came primarily from the Matthew Fantazia Estate donation, with additional support welcomed from the community. "When we received the donation, we were in the planning stages of the mural. It was a perfect use of the funds, allowing us to promote and preserve our history," Bloom noted. "Donations earmarked for the mural project are always appreciated, as they help us continue our mission."

The success of the mural has sparked interest in further historical and artistic projects around Gustine. "The Parkway, now with its historical keyboards in the bulletin boards along the walkways, has received positive feedback. We envision it becoming a historical walkway, adding more educational elements over time," shared Bloom. "This mural is just the beginning. We hope to create more projects that celebrate our town’s heritage and educate the community."

Reflecting on the project, members expressed how rewarding it has been. "We’ve learned a lot through the research and involved our families in the process, which has been eye-opening," Ouse recounted.

"I had visited the Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, where Henry Miller is featured, which was particularly inspiring. It highlighted the broader impact of our local history.” Riddle shared.

The project is slated to start on Aug. 19 and is expected to take about a month to complete.