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WALLS THAT SPEAK @ CHAFFEY COMMUNITY MUSEUM OF ART
Walls that Speak: New Work by Man One, Cosmé Cordova and Joe Ded
Exhibition runs: April 9 – July 26, 2026
This exhibit highlights recent work not previously exhibited in a museum setting by three local mid-career Chicano artists. Each has used his expressive style to both create important works of art and to build community engagement in their hometowns.
Ontario artist Man One’s career as a muralist engages communities of the Pomona Valley and greater Los Angeles by addressing an engaged public on outdoor murals. He is creating an original site-specific mural for Walls That Speak.
In addition to his art practice, Cosmé Cordova has been an inspirational leader in Riverside as the owner of Division 9 gallery. He developed community engagement in the arts as the co-founder of the Riverside Arts Walk and an annual citywide celebration of the arts on Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). His own art is a unique synthesis of graffiti, abstract forms and imagery.
Joe Ded is a versatile artist who is steeped in the Chicana/o mural movement of East Los Angeles of the1970s. Largely self-taught, he is based in Montclair. His iconography draws from a wide range of popular and art historical sources. His art and talent continue to develop as opportunities for large scale works emerge.
These three uniquely talented artists are living evidence of the power of art to be an influential method of individual expression and community engagement.
Check out these opening reception pics from 4/11/2026
by Eduvina Orozco (IG: vina_orostudio)
Chaffey Community Museum of Art is located at:
217 S. Lemon Ave Ontario, California 91761
Phone: (909) 463-3733
Email: info@chaffeymuseum.org
MAN ONE TEAMS UP WITH 5TH GRADERS TO CREATE A MURAL FOR THE CITY OF LOMITA
Man One was selected by the city of Lomita, California to design a vibrant mural adorning Lomita Park. The artistic vision behind this mural sprung from the talented winners of the "COMMON CANVAS" 5th grade citywide mural competition. Among the exceptional submissions received, the winning pieces came from Manahil M. of Eshalmen School, Kayla O. of Lomita STEAM Magnet, and Miaah C. of Saint Margaret School. A round of applause to all the young participants for their creative contributions!
Man One © 2024 Assisted by Joel Lopez
GRAFFTV produces podcast exploring Man One's early history as an LA graffiti artist
Man One recently made a captivating appearance on GraffTV's video podcast, sharing intriguing stories and insights into his illustrious career within the graffiti world. With his wealth of experience and innovative approach to urban art, Man One drew listeners in with vivid tales of his artistic journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that have shaped his unique style. As a pioneer in the graffiti art scene, Man One's presence on the podcast provided an invaluable opportunity for fans and aspiring artists to glean inspiration and wisdom from his remarkable trajectory in the world of graffiti art.
Click below to watch the episode. Enjoy!
Art World Horror Stories: Man One and the Nightmare Mural [Not Real Art Podcast]
Click on the image to listen to the episode on Not Real Art Podcast!
“This is one of those stories where it just keeps getting worse and worse and worse,” says Man One, an LA-based illustrator, curator, and entrepreneur who’s been an active member of the art world for 20 years. “I'm going to forewarn you, this horror story gets worse!”
From racial slurs and defamation to vandalism and cease and desist letters, the project was plagued by obstacles from the start. “Every single day, some old person would stop by, yell at us, flip us off,” Man One says. “This [was] the least threatening mural that I have ever done in my life, and [I was] getting the most flak that I've ever received!” The project’s concept? A fun, colorful mural promoting the benefits of exercise and play for children in the neighborhood. “The first thing [this experience] did was open my eyes, not to be so naive about coming into a community [with a mural] and thinking that people are going to be on board just because it's a positive message.”
Today’s episode is peppered with unexpected surprises and a few life lessons from Man One himself. “Expect the unexpected,” he says. “As an artist, I always have to be aware that there's something that I'm not aware of. There's the unknown. There's something that I'm not seeing, but I’ve got to keep my ears and eyes open so that, when it shows up, I can address it, whatever it may be.”
With more twists and turns than an M. Night Shyamalan film, Man One’s horror story is one for the books. Tune into today’s episode for a dose of art-world dread.
While you listen to the podcast and for some much needed visual context, below are images from the mural Man One created in 2003 for the CDC’s VerbNow campaign.
How could such non-controversial imagery become such a crazy horror story??
It baffles the mind!
LIVE PAINTING AT GLEN AVON LIBRARY
I’m happy to announce that I will be collaborating with the Glen Avon Library in Jurupa Valley!
In celebration of National Coloring Book Day, I will be painting live on August 16th from 4-6pm.
FREE AND ALL AGES WELCOME!
Get there early since I will also be giving away a few goodies (while supplies last).
Location:
Glen Avon Library
9244 Galena Street
Jurupa Valley, CA, 92509
More info:
www.RIVLIB.NET
MAN ONE X GOLDEN STATE CERVEZA
For Latino heritage month this year, I was contacted by Golden Road Brewery to tell my story to their demographics. As they launched a new Mexican lager style beer, Golden State Cerveza, they wanted to tie in an LA native artist to the brand marketing. They came to my studio and we had a great sit down interview. Check out the short video that was used across social media sites to promote the launch and my art practice, just click on the image below..
Salud!
