Saving the Tonantsin Renace Mural
Saving the Tonantsin Renace Mural
Our Ask
Originally created in 1991, the mural “Tontasin Renance” on 16th Street at Sanchez Street in San Francisco is in need of repair.
The community is rallying for the preservation of this beloved landmark, the artist is ready to do the work, and conservation specialists from Precita Eyes are available to advise on best techniques.
To save this beautiful mural, we are asking for:
- The homeowner’s permission to allow the artist and Precita Eyes to access the backyard to assess and repair the fence behind the mural. To this point, all communications with the homeowner have gone unanswered.
- Supervisor Mandelman’s support in restoring this mural. We will be reaching out to Supervisor Mandelman in the near future.
- San Francisco Arts Commission and Precita Eyes Muralists Association funding, help, and protection. We will be reaching out to each once we have approval from the homeowner.
- Grassroots fundraising to help with repairs and upkeep of this beautiful mural. We will look to secure contributions to fix the fence and replenish supplies needed to keep the mural beautiful and graffiti free.
With the owner’s permission, grassroots funding, and SF, Precita Eyes, and our Supervisor’s support we can repair the fence and restore this mural to its original splendor.
For updates on our progress, sign up for email updates on saving the Tontasin Renance mural.
Current Funding
This mural’s upkeep costs are currently funded by the artist and small donations from the neighborhood (about $1000 to date in 3 years).
Once we have the homeowner’s permission to access his backyard, we will fundraise for:
- Repair of the fence behind this mural
- Restoration of the mural
- Regular upkeep costs to keep the mural graffiti free (paint and supplies)
We aim to begin grassroots fundraising once we have the homeowner’s permission to access his backyard.
For updates on our progress, sign up for email updates on saving the Tontasin Renance mural.
About the Mural
The mural of a powerful woman watches over the community at 16th Street and Sanchez. It is the Tonantsin Renace Mural.
Tonantsin Renace is the artist’s interpretation of the Aztec goddess Tonantzin, the Lunar mother goddess from Aztec mythology. For many, this bold and dynamic mural represents strength, abundancy, and power. Yet, on foggy mornings Tonantsin appears to “weep” due to condensation in the air. This mural has received an award from Precita Eyes muralists and is beloved by locals and tourists alike.
The original mural, La Madre Tonantsin, was created in 1991 at this same location. It was originally commissioned by the owners of 295 Sanchez Street to keep graffiti off their 16th Street facing garden fence. With contributions from locals and a small grant from Precita Eyes, the mural was renewed and the fence was repaired in 1998. The mural is 7 ft high by 32 ft wide and made of cast resin, mosaic, sheet metal, and paint on wood.
About the Artist
Colette Crutcher is a San Francisco artist whose career began with painting and printmaking. Her work now covers a broad spectrum of art across a range of media: painting and drawing, collage, assemblage, paper mache, concrete, ceramic and mosaics. She draws inspiration from the great artistic traditions of many cultures, from “high art” to what is seen as folk art or craft.
Contact Us
For updates on our progress, sign up for email updates on saving the Tontasin Renance mural.
For more information or if you can help us with any of our “asks”, please contact us at:
us(at)16thStreetMural.com
This website was created in 2024 by the artist and neighbors of the “Tontasin Renance” mural supporting its renovation and future upkeep.