Community Art

Community Faces Project       - About the Honorees       - About the Artists       - Young Storytellers / Teen Producers Cultural Tapestry Walkways Sempra Children's Art Walls El Pollo Grill Dome Art

When you step inside El Pollo Grill, be sure to look up and feast your eyes on the magnificant dome. Designed and painted by local artist Sal Barajas, it is separated into five sections, each level and section adorned with imagery from the owners home Mexican state of Jalisco.

Deceptive in size, the painted panels cascade from the 5' 2" diameter center piece down to the bottom sections, each 15' X 9'.

Creating the dome was detailed and tedious work. Images from sketches were applied to a prototype painting made in a bowl, then enlarged with photocopying, and enlarged again using an overhead projector. To keep the scale and angles uniform, Barajas hand-made a large compass to set the lines of each section. Due to the limitations of the hydraulic lift used as a platform, the work was completed in 10' sections.

Images were outlined using tracing paper backed with graphite powder, then outlined in black paint. Each image was hand-painted by Barajas and his son, Sal Barajas, Jr., using acrylic paint to create vibrant colors and graduated tones. Color selection also reflects the distinct exterior of Market Creek Plaza.