After six months of stories, performances and paintbrushes, the Esperanza Rising Community Art & Culture Series comes to a close on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, with Together We Rise, a free morning celebration at Esperanza Park featuring the unveiling of the neighborhood’s new community mural.
The mural, “Rooted in Hope,” by Coachella Valley artist Autumn Martino, was chosen by a vote of the Dream Homes community from 58 submitted concepts. Measuring 9.5 by 30 feet, it covers the back wall of the park’s restroom building, facing the CV Link, where trail users, cyclists and families will see it every day. Martino worked with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians on the native plants and imagery woven throughout the design.
Residents helped bring it to life. At the Visions of the Future event on Sept. 12, 2026, neighbors of all ages picked up brushes and painted alongside Martino, who has been working on the wall seven days a week since. “Rooted in Hope” will be the second permanent public art installation at Esperanza Park, joining the entryway sculpture inspired by community input.
Program Schedule
- 9 a.m. Welcome and opening remarks
- 9:15 a.m. Remarks from mural artist Autumn Martino
- 9:30 a.m. Book reading
- 10 a.m. Folklórico performance
- 10:30 a.m. Live mariachi
- 11:30 a.m. DJ music and community engagement
Throughout the morning, families can enjoy free food and drinks while supplies last, hands-on art projects from local agencies, a family photo booth and face painting.
About Esperanza Rising
Esperanza Rising is a grant-funded community art and culture series designed to celebrate the history of the Dream Homes neighborhood, uplift resident voices and bring families together through creative expression at Esperanza Park. The series is funded by a $98,000 California Arts in Parks grant. Cathedral City was one of just 30 communities selected statewide from more than 200 applicants.
The four-event series began with Echoes of the Past on April 11, 2026, followed by Voices of the Present on May 9 and Visions of the Future on Sept. 12. Together We Rise brings the series full circle.
Esperanza Rising is presented by the City of Cathedral City’s Public Arts Commission and Desert Recreation District, with support from Parks California and Arts in California Parks.
Event Details
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 | 9 a.m. to noon
Esperanza Park, 30610 San Diego Drive, Cathedral City
Free | All ages
For more information, contact Ana Velasquez, Desert Recreation District, at (760) 343-3595 or avelasquez@drd.us.com.
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