Students at Santa Barbara High School collaborated with SBHS alumni and renowned artist Manuel Unzueta to create a 60-foot mural outside the campus cafeteria, known as ‘La Loteria De Vida,’ depicting scenes symbolic to Chicano and Chumash culture, while honoring the collective history of Santa Barbara and the high school.
SBHS Principal Elise Simmons approached Ethnic Studies instructor Joe Velasco with the idea in April 2021.“Murals tell a story, they add beauty to a location,” Simmons said. “And it deters people from drawing or painting on the walls. Students tend to admire and respect their surroundings more.”
Velasco immediately reached out to Unzueta, who has created several iconic murals across the city, including Santa Barbara City College, the Eastside Library, and Ortega Park. Unzueta began brainstorming with students, encouraging them to not be afraid of the painting process, and mentoring them throughout the entire project.