Chico Artist Valerie Rose has an enduring commitment to highlighting the importance of Deaf culture in her work. She is continuing this mission in a new mural that she hopes will raise awareness about American Sign Language (ASL).
"I hope to continue to inspire people to learn ASL, learn about what it means to live in a more accessible world, and how that might benefit us all," Rose said.
Rose is a half-deaf Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), and ASL is her first language.
She has been creating murals for some time. Recently, her focus has shifted to using these murals to raise awareness about the importance of accessibility within ASL and Deaf culture. She has completed seven murals on this topic, which she calls the “Sign Sign Mural Project.”
The location of the new mural will be at the new Show Love Thrift Store location on 1407 W 5th St. in Chico.
"I'm hoping to paint a mural that is going to bring people to that physical location, look at it, contribute to the store, and just bring some more attention to that space," Rose said.
The thrift store has been an advocate for the homeless community in Chico, lending a hand to various homeless assistance organizations including The Jesus Center, Chico Housing Action Team (CHAT), The Torres Community Shelter and the Esplanade House.
"That thrift store doesn't get a lot of visibility," Rose said. "They used to be on Park, and they had a lot of traffic on that street. We got to show ‘Love’ some more love."
Last year, the thrift store was forced to move locations after over a decade on Park Ave. to make room for a cannabis dispensary parking lot.
Rose’s most recent work on Park Avenue was also recently taken down due to construction in the area, which she said was the plan all along.
The new mural will be 100 feet long and completely interactive, paired with augmented reality technology. This technology combines the real world with computer-generated content to create an interactive experience. It can be accessed by scanning a QR code.
“I think that Augmented Reality and ASL is a beautiful marriage because if you were to paint sign language, it's static, it's hands that don't move, and sign language is all about movement,” Rose said. “For people to see a sign and actually learn what that sign is. It would be better if it could move.”
Rose is still seeking funding for the immersive mural.
"Because of its scale, I realized we needed more funding," Rose said. "So it's taking a little longer than anticipated to build or to paint this one."
To help fund the project, she is hosting a fundraiser, "Show Your Love," at the Winchester Goose this Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
There will be a raffle, art, and various baked goods available. There will also be a drink special and interactive art enhanced with augmented reality technology.
