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Mexican Artist creating mural at Santori Public Library in Aurora

AURORA -- The City of Aurora and Aurora Public Library are hosting artist Alejandro Loccoco of Guadalajara, Mexico as he paints a mural, titled "Heart of America," at the Richard and Gina Santori Public Library of Aurora.

The 13-foot by 40-foot mural is being painted on a west wall on the second floor of the library at 101 S. River St. in downtown Aurora.

Loccoco will present a program on the meaning and creation of the mural at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21 in Rooms 125-126 in the Santori Library. The program will be in Spanish with English translation.

When Loccoco arrived at the Aurora Public Library on Tuesday, Sept. 12, he hugged the wall on which he would create the mural, saying that he was happy the mural would be located indoors.

"Outdoor murals change over time," Loccoco said Wednesday. "This mural will still be here when we're gone."

The mural was proposed to Second Ward Alderman Juany Garza by Pedro Garcia Aguilar, general coordinator of the Council of Hispanic Communities. The council is working on several cultural exchanges with Aurora, including the mural project.

"I'm very happy that after all these months, the mural will soon be a reality," Garza said. It's exciting to see that an excellent artist such as Mr. Loccoco is interested in our city. This mural is an awesome blessing."

"The Aurora Public Library is an ideal site because the mural will be located on an interior wall away from the elements," said Dan Barreiro, Chief Community Services Officer for the City of Aurora. "Plus, since it will be in a public building that is a destination for thousands, it will be a huge asset for Aurora that will enrich our multicultural community in many ways."

Loccoco began creating the mural with a mixed acrylic and charcoal technique on Tuesday, Sept. 12. The public will not be able to view the artist while he works, as he wishes the mural to be viewed in its entirety when it is completed at the end of the month.

The mural was inspired by the union of cultures, languages and customs of both people born in the United States and those coming from all of Latin America, Loccoco said, adding that he wants to honor and seek bonds of friendship and dignity between different cultures and races.

"We are pleased that Mr. Loccoco chose the City of Aurora and the Aurora Public Library to host this original work," said Library Director Daisy Porter-Reynolds. "We love that he appreciates Aurora's diversity and rich Hispanic heritage as much as we do, and we are honored that the Santori Library was asked to provide the canvas for his creativity."

For more information, please call Aurora Public Library, 630-264-4125.

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