Mural Unveils Gila Monster at Pacana Park: A Vibrant Today’s Creation

Pacana Park welcomed a burst of creativity today as Casa Grande artist Mauriel “Mory” Morejon began painting a vibrant mural on a 200-square-foot wall adjacent to the fitness court. The mural showcases the beauty of the desert, featuring blooming cacti alongside a native Gila monster, located right by the park’s basketball courts.

Morejon emphasizes that color evokes positivity and emotion. “It’s part of our life. The little kids, the first story they have is color,” he stated. He criticized the prevalence of gray tones in modern design, expressing that nature is continuously colorful. “When we see gray, the storm is coming, it’s danger,” he added.

This new mural mirrors Morejon’s earlier work at Pacana Park, located just 200 feet away. Both pieces emphasize the vibrant hues typical of the desert environment. “Here in the desert, we have color… a beautiful sunset,” he explained. Morejon highlighted the midday sun’s brightness, which brings energy and happiness and contrasts with the subdued colors of sunset.

Morejon has contributed several public art pieces in the Maricopa area, including a mural on a nearby water tower, a fresco at the Maricopa Museum and Visitor Center, and a painted horse statue located near John Wayne and Alterra Parkways. His efforts demonstrate a commitment to enriching the local artistic landscape.

The artist will continue working on the mural, which is valued at $3,200, as part of Maricopa’s expanding public art initiative. Community Enrichment Director Quinn Konold remarked on the impact of art installations, noting, “Art can generate a sense of community pride. It has the ability to transform the ordinary into something unique and memorable.” Through this initiative, everyday spaces are being transformed into meaningful cultural landmarks.