Reimagining the SSU Farmworkers Mural

Monday, August 31, 2026, 12:52pm

TO: Campus Community
FR: Stacey J. Bosick, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Laura Alamillo, Dean, College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies and Dean of the University Library

Sonoma State University will once again welcome artist Johanna Poethig on Friday, September 4, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. via Zoom [Add to Google Calendar]. Please join us for this important conversation about community, art, and the evolving legacy of the farmworker movement.

Poethig is the original artist of "Tiene la Lumbre Adentro / He Has the Fire Within: SSU César E. Chávez Memorial," currently displayed in the University Library.

Following allegations of abuse that emerged in March 2026, the Sonoma State community has partnered with Poethig to reimagine aspects of the mural in a way that centers farmworkers’ collective leadership and recognizes them as the heroes of the farmworker movement. In May, Poethig visited campus for a community conversation and workshop with students, faculty, staff, and local community members.

On September 4, Poethig will share how she has incorporated community perspectives into the evolving work. She will present a concept rendering for the planned full-scale mural revision.

More information regarding the project can be found at the Farmworkers Mural Reimagining webpage. Those interested in further engagement and additional events, such as participation in the University Common Read of "Migrant Heart," can visit the University Common Read webpage.