Josè and Christina Elizalde

A BIG Thank You to Urban Water Resources for sponsoring this storm drain art!

Artists' Bio

José Elizalde was born in Mexico City, however, he grew-up on the South Side of Chicago. José received a BA in Hispanic Ministries with a minor in Art from Goshen College. He also attended Eastern Mennonite Seminary and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School where he received a M.Div. José is currently working for LaCasa, Inc. as their Community Engagement Specialist. José is a novice artist with a strong passion for art that tells a story and the struggles we humans face. He has two beautiful and talented kids: Christina Renee Elizalde and Daniel José Elizalde.

Christian R. Elizalde is eleven years old and a sixth grader at Goshen Middle School. She loves cats, volleyball and art. She also plays the cello and sings in the Shout for Joy Children’s Choir from Goshen College. She has many hopes and dreams, and hopes that whatever she does in the future, art would continue to be an essential part of her life. 

Painting Description

This painting was inspired by the first nations of the Americas and the connection they had with Mother Earth. The color combinations express this inseparable connection between nature and human. It also alludes to the essential connection we humans have between the food the earth provides and our existence. And finally, the movement of the river to the storm drain connects their past with our present, and allows the viewer to interpret it and make their own conclusions about what that all means. 

Artists' Reflection

Personally I am delighted to have been part of this wonderful project. We have highly talented people in Goshen. We are blessed to live here. And, I hope the city will continue to do similar projects in the future. 

Return to the Storm Drain Art Page
Return to the Stormwater Education Page