RCAF mural artists Juanishi Orosco, left, Stan Padilla, and Esteban Villa. (Photo by Keith Sutter)

Members of the renowned Royal Chicano Air Force (RCAF) arts collective will discuss “Flight,” their latest large-scale project at Golden 1 Center, during a free appearance at Sacramento State. The muralists will talk about the making and meaning of “Flight” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 3, in Mendocino 1003.

The 35-foot mural depicts humankind’s evolution through the generations, on its way from Quetzalcoatl to El Sexto Sol, or The Sixth Sun. The artists were assisted by many sons, daughters, and grandchildren of RCAF members. It was unveiled in March.

Presenters include RCAF’s Juan Carrillo and mural artists Juanishi Orosco, Stan Padilla, and Esteban Villa.

The Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission (SMAC) selected “Flight” to honor the work and contributions by RCAF artists on behalf of the California Chicano community through art, poetry, music, and social activism. It comes 40 years after SMAC commissioned another mural titled “Metamorphosis” for downtown Sacramento.

The RCAF began life as the Rebel Chicano Art Front in the late 1960s. Created by students and faculty at Sacramento State, it became a model for many collectives, though few others have lasted as long. Their work also was part of the activism of the time, giving it an even deeper meaning.

Works by RCAF artists can be found in university and museum collections throughout the U.S. and Europe, including an impressive collection at Sac State by late artist and Sacrmento State Professor Ricardo Favela.

Support for the mural originated from Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna, a Sacramento State alumnus, who wanted to acknowledge the RCAF's legacy. Serna, the son of the late Joe Serna, Jr., himself a former Sacramento State professor, RCAF co-founder and Sacramento's first Latino Mayor, also assembled the $300,000 of funding to make the project possible. 

For more information about the May 3 presentation, contact Sacramento State’s Art Department or call them at (916) 278-6166. For media assistance call University Communications at (916) 278-6156. – Craig Koscho