In an exciting cultural event, the Chrome Ball Tour, organized by San Diego FC (SDFC), makes its highly anticipated stop in Chula Vista this Saturday, marking the fifth and largest leg of its 2024 journey. The initiative promises a day filled with free soccer events, live musical performances, and a showcase of local talent. This tour heralds an exciting chapter for SDFC, setting the stage for their inaugural MLS season in 2025.
At the core of this celebration are three remarkable artists: Chikle!, Josué Baltezar and Paola Villaseñor. Their artwork, ranging from street murals to graphic designs, reflects the diverse heritage and vibrant essence of San Diego. In exclusive interviews conducted by Hispanos Unidos, these artists share their inspirations, aspirations, and deep connection to our hometown.
Chikle!: A Tribute to His Hometown Through Art
A San Diego native, Chikle’s journey from self-taught artist to educator and muralist epitomizes the transformative power of art. Hailing from Chula Vista, Chikle draws inspiration from his upbringing, infusing his artwork with memories of family, community, and cultural traditions. His artwork for the Chrome Ball Tour stop in Chula Vista reflects a profound connection to his roots, celebrating the unique identity of the community.
For Chikle, his artistic journey is not just personal but also a tribute to his father—a humble yet passionate artist who instilled in him a deep appreciation for creativity and the courage to pursue his dreams. Reflecting on his father’s influence, Chikle fondly recalls, ‘I don’t know if he realizes how much I attribute to him and his ability to just go for it, because that’s what I always saw in him.’
Chikle’s artwork for the Chrome Ball Tour was inspired by memories of his childhood, particularly his father’s involvement in his soccer games. While the depiction isn’t an exact portrayal of their relationship, it’s deeply rooted in those cherished moments of his youth. “I definitely have so many memories as a kid,” Chikle reminisces. “When I signed up for soccer, that’s all I wanted to play. It was definitely something that I looked forward to playing on Saturdays.” He fondly recalls his father’s involvement, despite his busy schedule as a restaurant worker. “For a couple of seasons, he was an assistant coach for our teams growing up,” Chikle recalls. “Saturday was his busy time, so for him to come to a game was always really special.” These moments of support and guidance from his father left an indelible mark on Chikle. “I remember him helping me with my shoes, my shin guards, or giving me advice,” he adds. “It’s a very personal memory that I wanted to tap into.”
As for Chula Vista, for Chikle, it’s more than just a place—it’s a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of its people. Collaborating with a professional soccer team in his hometown is a dream come true, a testament to the community spirit that defines the area. “I feel very blessed and fortunate. It’s truly an honor to be a part of this,’ he shares. “It speaks to what soccer is, it brings people together. It’s just really exciting to be a part of it and to be able to showcase a little bit of who I am and the way I see our community.”
Chikle’s commitment to community activism is evident in his multifaceted involvement, both as an educator and within the Emo Brown Foundation. Through projects like the Emo Brown Foundation, he remains dedicated to uplifting the next generation of artists and activists, ensuring their voices are heard and talents recognized.
When asked about advice for aspiring artists, Chikle emphasizes the importance of seizing every opportunity and community involvement. “Pay attention when there’s a community call out for artists or any type of participation,” he continues, “Follow your dreams…just go for it, trust your instincts.”
Paola Villaseñor: An Inspirational Artistic Path
In her pursuit as a binational artist, Paola Villaseñor seamlessly intertwines her upbringing and cultural heritage. Raised in Chula Vista by parents who migrated from Mexico, she drew early inspiration from regular visits to museums in Mexico, each encounter leaving an enduring mark on her creative path. Later in life, relocating to Tijuana became a turning point, unlocking her artistic expression. “That’s where I started to see the visual impact of the city and everything that’s unique about it. It had a really big influence on me and it kind of let me let go of anything that was holding me back from my art and letting it be what it is, which is bright, colorful, loud. I had to come into it and just allow myself to say, hey, this is art.”
Villaseñor’s artwork for the Chrome Ball Tour reflects this dual identity, drawing on personal experiences and memories with a particular emphasis on the iconic palm trees that line the streets of her hometown. She explains, “Palm trees are something that, for me, is very iconic to California and Chula Vista. I have a photo from where I was a baby and they brought me home from the hospital and we’re facing Palomar Street and everybody’s holding me and you can see the palm trees in the distance. So it’s just something that stuck with me. I like to give [my art] life and give it a personality and to kind of have fun with it and I just wanted that to be the main thing in this design.”
But for Paola, the Chrome Ball Tour isn’t just about art; it’s about unity within the local San Diego community. She sees the tour as a tool for not only bridging gaps between San Diego and Tijuana but also among individuals from various backgrounds and walks of life. “It’s an opportunity to have people get together for a common reason, and enjoy a little soccer. Especially now adding so much art and music, it just feels like everybody is invited, everybody can come out … It makes me proud because I’m kind of getting to know the city again and there is a lot that I deeply love and remember. It pulls on my heartstrings in a certain way. I live in a different area now but I have [Chula Vista] so close to my heart. I am hoping that people recognize that in my drawing and just embrace it, because it’s a pretty cool thing that’s going on.”
Josué Baltezar: Murals of Strength and Community
Josué’s journey from Mexico to the U.S. at the age of five underscores the challenges of adaptation while highlighting the resilience ingrained in immigrant communities. His artistic narrative is deeply intertwined with his immigrant identity, serving as a means to express strength and optimism in challenging negative stereotypes surrounding immigration. “Being an immigrant has been a large part of my identity,” he reflects. “I carry that with me a lot so I like to portray the more positive sides like the resilience, the optimism, the hope, the strength and community because I feel like that’s a better way for me to express rather than focusing on the more difficult side, the more challenging side, the more negative side that we often face as immigrants.”
Josué’s artistic journey began with childhood sketches, a passion cultivated and nurtured by the unwavering support of his family. “I have been drawing my whole life,” Josué reflects, acknowledging the pivotal role his family played in fostering his creative spirit. With their encouragement as his foundation, Josué’s artistic endeavors transitioned from the confines of sketchbooks to the expansive canvas of city walls. The city walls became his canvas, and with bold strokes, he transformed them into vibrant murals that breathe life and color into the streets of San Diego. “When you walk by a wall, especially a blank one,” Josué explains, “you think, ‘Wow, this design would look great here.'”
Josué’s dedication to mural painting eventually led to his involvement with the Chrome Ball Tour. His murals, vibrant expressions of unity and inclusion, serve as visual representations of the spirit of community embraced by the Chrome Ball event. Embracing his roots, Josué finds profound significance in the opportunity to showcase his art in the very neighborhood where he grew up. “It’s a full circle moment,” Josué says with a hint of excitement, “I grew up maybe three blocks from downtown Chula Vista. Whether on a skateboard or on a bike or just walking with friends, I was always on Third Avenue. So for me to now get to see my artwork on Third is surreal. It’s a dream project.”
As Josué continues to paint the streets of Chula Vista with his vibrant murals, he hopes to inspire others to pursue their passions fearlessly. “If somebody sees my art and says, ‘I could do that,’ then I’ve accomplished my goal,” he says with a smile. “Art is for everyone, and everyone has a story to tell.”
As the excitement builds for the 2024 Chrome Ball Tour stop in Downtown Chula Vista, fans are invited to secure their spots for this unforgettable event. To RSVP and secure your tickets, click here.
Article by Pollyana Ramos Tucker