The Pasadena Buddhist Temple celebrated the completion of the “Healing and Hope” mural at 3 p.m. on Sunday. The brainchild of Kyoko Gibbs, wife of the temple’s spiritual leader the Rev. Gregory Gibbs, who collaborated with Miki Yokoyama, an artist and Eaton Fire survivor — the mural was a way of restoring the community after their life-shattering experience.
It was a festive occasion with about 70 people in attendance. A video about the progress of the mural was shown, after which attendees were invited to gather outside for the unveiling of the completed mural.
Gibbs’ younger son Ren and his friends Winston and Felix — fittingly attired for the occasion in happi, a tube-sleeved Japanese coat — walked rapidly as they uncovered the mural. Their fast-walking provided a light-heartened moment for the mothers present who found it entertaining. Keiro and Little Tokyo Service Center were recognized for their compassionate support. Yokoyama shared her story in creating the mural with the community and invited everyone to sign their names on the painted primer area near the ground.
“Judicanti Responsura,” the music duo formed in 1984 by tubaist William Roper and percussionist Joseph Mitchell — who are fire survivors as well — set the stage beautifully to welcome people in the Hondo, the main building. The Altadena Cookie Company provided custom cookies for the event.
The “Healing and Hope” mural took a few months to paint, with Eaton Fire survivors participating in the project. In mid-March, the mural was almost done.
Yokoyama recounts, “I completed the final touches on the mural last Sunday, the 15th. This week, I have been applying a top coat over the finished painting, painting the ground directly below the wall white and preparing a space where everyone who participated in the mural can add their signatures.”
For Yokoyama, the completion of the project is as joyful as it is bittersweet.
“This experience has been incredibly meaningful to me,” states Yokoyama. “Working together with everyone on a single mural was something that truly helped and supported me. I had been struggling mentally over the past year since the fire, so I am very grateful to Kyoko for proposing this project. The time spent painting with everyone allowed me to focus on both the creative process and connecting with others. Each day, I felt that these moments were healing my heart. Seeing everyone working so hard on their parts of the mural gave me strength and courage.
“My feelings right now are quite complex,” Yokoyama discloses. “I am very happy that we were able to complete the mural. At the same time, I feel a deep sense of sadness knowing that this time of creating together has come to an end. Since Kyoko and I first began discussing the location of the mural, I have been coming to the site five days a week for about two months, so it has been a very special part of my life.”
Those sentiments are echoed by Gibbs. “I already miss the sense of togetherness from working together,” she says. “It brought me happiness and strength. The bond we formed through the mural project, and of course during last year’s gatherings and activities, will stay in my heart and help me move forward. I will cherish all the encounters.”
“Feeling the results of the community’s teamwork is truly empowering,” Gibbs adds emphatically. “We are stronger together, and I am deeply thankful to be part of this caring and supportive community. This mural gives me a deep sense of hope, seeing how something beautiful and empowering has emerged from such a devastating event.”
Indeed the Eaton Fire, as tragic as it has been, provided the impetus for Altadenans to unite — whether to fight for accountability from country officials or to work on an artistic endeavor that commemorates their shared experience. And that is a wonderful outcome to celebrate.
