Santero Artist Unveils Church Mural
St. Ann Catholic Church hosted a special ceremony for their commissioned mural, "Saint Michael the Archangel," at a 5 p.m. Sunday service at 400 S. Ruby St. A blessing for the mural took place at this service.
The mural was completed on March 28, two months to the date after it was started. Santero Artist Joseph Chavez, worked six-, eight- and ten-hour days to create the 45'x12' mural. It was partially created as a Fresco Secco, which is a mural on a dry plastered wall.
Chavez also would spritz the wall daily with water to be able to add a series of glazes. This accomplished for him the depth and colors he wanted to achieve for a mural that stands 10 feet up from eye level.
After many years of planning, the St. Michael Mural has become a reality. Under the commission of Fr. Enrique Escalera Lopez.
Chavez was born and raised in Deming. He started his painting career at the early age of five years old with a set of oil paints given to him by his parents at Christmas. His first painting was a Christmas angel. Raised by his grandparents, Nabor and Maria Chavez nurtured his talents along with his faith.
He went on to be baptized, confirmed and made his first communion at St. Ann Catholic Church.
"It has been a tremendous honor to be chosen and to return to Deming to paint this mural," Chavez said. "My God-given talent has granted me an illustrious art career. The accolades have been many, but to be recognized by my own hometown, and my Catholic community has been so rewarding. I have renewed old friendships and made many new ones in the two months it has taken me to do the mural."
The centerpiece of the mural is Saint Michael the Archangel. We have all seen his image in paintings and sculptures.
"I wanted to portray him as a strong invincible soldier. After all he is God's number one warrior against Satan and his works," Chavez said. "As a proud Hispano Nuevo Mexicano, I saw him with dark hair and tanned skin. In today's media, too much emphasis is given to the perfect Hollywood type. I wanted the new church generation to see him as one of their own and to recognize and appreciate the beauty of our own Hispanic features."
Chavez's description of his mural work is as follows:
"It is early morning, the sun is about to rise upon the horizon. The rays of the morning light accentuate a beautiful angel who has been in a furious battle all night long. Dressed in dark leather armor, his tunic billows with the swiftness upon which he descends upon Satan."
"I wanted to capture the moment of conquest, when goodness triumphs over evil. St. Michael's golden lance, crowned with the Holy Cross and guided by golden wings, is about to pierce Satan for the final triumphant defeat, casting him once and forever to the billowing fires of hell.
"St. Michael's arm band, 'Quis ut Deus?' It translates 'who is like God?' It is a literal translation of the name, 'Michael.' Saint Michael is the only Archangel referred twice by name and rank in the new testament."
The mural has been registered by the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It will now serve as a tribute to Hispanic Santero art and as a reference available to artists, galleries and researchers worldwide.
Recognized as an international artist, with art work in numerous churches and private collections Chavez recently had a one-man show in February at the Deming Arts Center. The center has a few pieces left in their gift shop at 100 S. Gold St.
Chavez plans to return to Deming to help organize a Santero Spanish Market tentatively scheduled for September of next year.
"The warmth I have experienced in this new church community has been overwhelming at times and something I will always remember," Chavez said. "The spiritual leadership of Fr. Lopez is a treasure which has helped me to grow in trust and faith.
"I have given this mural a lot of myself; through reflection, through contrition, through meditation, inspiration and prayer. I hope I have created a work of art that will, inspire faith and devotion, for many generations to come."
