This effervescent mural by MCXT enhances and enlivens the urban streetscape of downtown Walnut Creek. Our city's burgeoning mural collection inspires enthusiasm for public art and creativity in the community.

About this Mural

This vibrant mural was painted in the artists' signature style with brilliant colors and a rich mix of narrative and abstract shapes. To create the mural, the artists hand-mixed 90 custom colors over the course of two days. The resulting viewing experience is similar to looking into a kaleidoscope. The meticulously painted patterns create an optical wonderland for eyes to explore. The lovingly rendered details in the mural allow for an interactive and playful opportunity for viewers.

Emerging from the pulsating backdrop are a family of animals including a deer, a group of singing birds, and an owl. All of these native Walnut Creek creatures were placed in the mural to remind viewers of their connection to their ecosystem. Those who look even more closely will find several hidden words tucked into the details of the painting. These words form the title of the mural “We Well All Be”, and refer to the symbiotic relationship the artists hope viewers will contemplate.

Artist Statement

We would hope that 'we will all be well'… but that is on us to decide.

In our ecosystem the health and prosperity of one thing affects the other... when one thrives all thrive, when we hurt the environment all creatures feel the effects.

We animals, humans, plants and nature are all connected and this image is a reminder of that deep bond. Same molecules and same future… we all came from stardust and will return to stardust and it is what we do with our time that matters.

About the Artists

MCXT is a creative partnership between Monica Canilao and Xara Thustra. A collaborative effort birthed out of a joint wish to communicate care and empowerment within public spaces. To place special emphasis on putting the most vulnerable people in society first. Together the artists share a deep need to make a bright, vibrant world using the tools of art and activism. MCXT goes big in scale, in heart, and in vision. They create moments to think and reflect on what things might look like if every human were to practice care for others. There is an important, whimsical seriousness aimed to direct the viewer's attention to the bright, bustling, heart-wrenching beauty that is all around… A reminder that what’s here is enough and vast, it’s simple and infinite. MCXT wakes the sleepy-eyed passerby to gaze into an altered state, refocus and incite joy.

History

In Fall 2019, Monica Canilao and Xara Thustra completed their commissioned mural on Civic Park’s Assembly Hall. This commission is the second in Walnut Creek Public Arts’s newly minted mural program. Bedford Gallery and the Public Art Program are incredibly proud to present this unique and enriching creation by MCXT to the Walnut Creek community.

Location: On the side of Civic Center at 1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA

Artwork Credit: MCXT, We Well All Be, Nova Color Acrylic Mural Paint, 7 feet 6 inches high by 34 feet 10 inches wide, 2019. Photo courtesy of Shaun Roberts.