Mural in Honor of John Wooden Unveiled at Local School
By Bruin Basketball Report
On Friday morning at John R. Wooden High School in Reseda, Principal Jay Kessler unveiled a beautiful 20'x25' mural dedicated to UCLA Coach John Wooden.
Joining Wooden were friends, family, civic leaders, and L.A. Unified school officials.
Local artist Hector Rios worked three months on the mural with assistance from students.
The mural depicts significant moments and important people in Wooden's life, including front and center on the mural his beloved wife Nell.
(photo credit: Daily News)
BBR :: Article Link :: 5:00 PM ::
6 comments
6 Comments:
He always kept things in perspective as he reinvented college hoops. At the big rally celebrating the first championship, he said "This is very nice, but shouldn't you be studying?"
Shout out to Hector Rios...thanks man....we cannot let your hard work go unforgiven....looks gr8!!!
This is definitely appropriate content for this site....
LEGACY CONTINUES
Coach John Wooden was definately worth it. The way he hugged, thanked us and kissed my daughter Paloma on the cheek. His very own precious daugher, Nan, was also present at the unveiling... and to my surprise, his mind was sharp, keen and in great humor and spirits for a gentleman his present age. I appreciate your kind gestures, the muralwork well received, Praise God*
UCLA - (Vivian Y. Gonzalez GBYA)
Beautiful work on a beautiful subject. Thanks Hector!
Especially liked how you wove in Coach's favorite people in history - Abe Lincoln and Mother Theresa.
I recognize most of the pictures in the mural but have never seen the one with Nell holding a basketball. I bet Nell's place up front and center must have thrilled Coach. Did Coach Wooden have an inkling of what the mural looked like before it was finished?
J
J, to answer your question, I truthfully do not think so.
Initially it was all kept as "top priority" secret as we felt we were racing the biological clock in order to be able to honor a man who is considered a definate legend within our societal living population.
I was reffered to the school by another person to find a way of honoring this man whom was being mentioned often, yet I personally, did not recognize his name or history as of yet.
Mr. Jay Kessler, who is the director and principal of J R. Wooden High School returned my call the very same day and displayed great interest. He was directly linked to Paul (John Wooden's grandson in law and teacher at JRWHS) throughout the process of it's conceptualization, process and metamorphosizing design. right after this, Coach Wooden suddenly was in the hospital and most assuredly had his mind on the events at hand. It almost seems that the entire world was holding it's breath to see the unfolding ramifications of his injuries. Paul, continuously communicated with his wife and Nan (Coach's daughter)Nan informed daddy, but Coach never did see it until it's unveiling last Friday morning.
J, I must say, we were all relieved that he could be honored in such a way before he passes.
His precious wife Nell was difficult for me to paint. Every single portion is airbrushed freehandly and somehow her features kept alluding the interrelational measurements... until beautiful Nan showed up for me to paint and see directly in front of me.
here is a link to the actual mural painting process:
http://www.artwanted.com/imageview.cfm?id=641580&SubGal=CLASSIC%20PORTRAITS
I have thoroughly enjoyed blessing and being blessed by these wonderful upright life changing people.
Hector Rios
UCLA - (Vivian Y. Gonzalez GBYA)
Real nice work Hector
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