#InFocus: Local Artist Creates Mural for World Meeting of Families

A Philadelphia artist is faced with his biggest task yet. He’s creating a mural for the World Meeting of Families.

As FOX 29 photojournalist Bill Rohrer shows us his vision is creating a sense of pride and passion behind every stroke of color.

Inside a Philadelphia art studio, Cesar Viveros brings color to life. He designed a 153 panel mural for the World Meeting of Families. It will be on display at the St. Malachy School in North Philadelphia.

“Millions of people are coming in September to see the Pope,” Cesar told FOX 29. “The theme I wanted to be about the family, the core family values, and something when they come to Philadelphia to see the mural they are reflected in the mural."

Members of the community are helping Cesar complete the mural by November. This is the first mural for intern Margie Ver-Kesa.

“I am used to working on canvases 8-12 this is going to be on a building that is 3 stories high,” said Margie.

Cesar’s 11-year-old daughter, Anna, is also helping. She's trading her days at the beach for painting with her dad.

"I think it's important that kids get some orientation about values, about family, and every seed we plant on them it will be reflective on them and grow and eventually be part of their life," Cesar explained.

 With every stroke, the mural is taking shape.

 Patricia Murillo’s 6-year-old daughter, Julia, is featured in the mural and she's helping create it as well.

"I feel different emotions, I can’t explain to you, how happy I feeling," said Patricia.Cesar will be in his studio for many more hours before this project is finished.  

"I never look at the wall until I am finished placing the panel. Then, I sit back and I see it for the first time, I always get impressed," Cesar explained.

For more information on the mural, please visit  http://muralarts.org/collections/projects/sacred-now