By Ricardo Lezama 
Renowned muralist Judith Baca is set to begin a new project expanding her landmark work, The Great Wall of Los Angeles, at Metro’s Union Station. With a $5 million grant from Metro Art and Getty Foundation support, the new mural will portray 21st-century Chicano and Indigenous histories. This marks Baca’s return to public art at a major transit hub and underscores continued institutional recognition of Chicano visual culture.
Work is expected to begin in fall 2025, with community youth participating in research and design through the Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC).
Whose Judy Baca?
Baca first rose to prominence in the 1970’s during social upheaval that has defined Southern California Chicanos. In a time where right wingers dog whistle “identity politics” and label any ethnic self defense as reverse racism, the need for reclaiming cultural traditions in the midst of state sponsored destitution of Mexicans and Mexican Americans.
A long time friend of Cheech Marin, Baca is now spearheading the continued celebration of Chicano art and cultural reach. Baca was also the recipient of a presidential service medal commemorating the