by on 2013-10-17

California State University professors Juan Delgado and Thomas McGovern will be presenting their new book “Vital Signs” which is a pairing of Delgado’s poetry and McGovern’s photographs of hand-painted signs and murals in a testament to the uniqueness found in the Inland Empire. Since 2006, McGovern has been photographing handmade signs and murals throughout the Inland Empire. Delgado has lived a major part of his life in San Bernardino, writing about the region for decades. In their art they both share a passion for San Bernardino and its surrounding communities and depict unique aspects of this area, an area whose history, culture, vitality, and even notoriety have been overshadowed by Los Angeles. Their artwork is centered on geographical markers that charter and map rich barrios and communities, and cultural markers that define the character of a street. Both artists use their media to celebrate the diverse working-class communities and their varied stories. The book’s project is about murals and signs people live by; both of these artists are interested in preserving the narrative and visual culture of this area. The book centers around the lives and aspirations of the people of these unique streets; streets that bring the Mexican, Anglo and other cultures together; streets whose backdrops are brilliant skies; streets that pulsate with daily rituals; streets lined with stucco walls; and streets that are rapidly changing. The book is trying to capture these stories and visual cultures. This free program includes a PowerPoint presentation and will begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at the Paul Villaseñor Branch Library at 525 N. Mt. Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino. Books will be available for purchase and signing following the presentation.