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Middletown’s Water Tanks Begin Transformation with Pomo Basket Inspired Art
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Water Basket painting is now underway. The project celebrates the area’s history, people, and ecology.
Following the devastating Valley Fire of 2015, the two water tanks on Rabbit Hill, atop the highest point in Middletown, were made very visible through burned tree skeletons surrounded by scores of homes that had burned to the ground. It became clear that in beautifying the tanks, Callayomi Water District could contribute to community recovery and renewal. The Middletown Art Center (MAC) approached the Water District to propose 360° murals.
Designs inspired by Pomo basket patterns with their strong negative positive shape relationships and symbolic geometry, would be legible from afar and honor the cultural heritage of the original people of this place. Pomo Basketry is renowned worldwide for excellence in aesthetics, craftsmanship and form and function. The design patterns are reflective of the natural world, and rooted in this place. MAC approached the Tribe for concept approval, guidance and collaboration, and the Water Basket project was born.
The Water Basket project is a collaboration between Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians, of California, Pomo artists, Callayomi County Water District, and the Middletown Art Center. It’s funded in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional funding from the Middletown Rancheria, the Water District, Capine at the Geysers, and public support.
One of the selected artists for this project is Trelasa Baratta . “I come from the Chappo and Knight families of Middletown Rancheria. My grandpa Mace was born and raised in Middletown, CA," she shared. They tell me my great uncle Jimmy used to live up on Rabbit Hill, where the water tanks stand today. Uncle couldn’t afford to continue paying the land tax, so he had to give it up, a stark reminder of our community’s struggles.”
Catch regular updates on Facebook!
Water Basket painting is now underway. The project celebrates the area’s history, people, and ecology.
Following the devastating Valley Fire of 2015, the two water tanks on Rabbit Hill, atop the highest point in Middletown, were made very visible through burned tree skeletons surrounded by scores of homes that had burned to the ground. It became clear that in beautifying the tanks, Callayomi Water District could contribute to community recovery and renewal. The Middletown Art Center (MAC) approached the Water District to propose 360° murals.
Designs inspired by Pomo basket patterns with their strong negative positive shape relationships and symbolic geometry, would be legible from afar and honor the cultural heritage of the original people of this place. Pomo Basketry is renowned worldwide for excellence in aesthetics, craftsmanship and form and function. The design patterns are reflective of the natural world, and rooted in this place. MAC approached the Tribe for concept approval, guidance and collaboration, and the Water Basket project was born.
The Water Basket project is a collaboration between Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians, of California, Pomo artists, Callayomi County Water District, and the Middletown Art Center. It’s funded in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional funding from the Middletown Rancheria, the Water District, Capine at the Geysers, and public support.
One of the selected artists for this project is Trelasa Baratta . “I come from the Chappo and Knight families of Middletown Rancheria. My grandpa Mace was born and raised in Middletown, CA," she shared. They tell me my great uncle Jimmy used to live up on Rabbit Hill, where the water tanks stand today. Uncle couldn’t afford to continue paying the land tax, so he had to give it up, a stark reminder of our community’s struggles.”
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Trelasa’s designs pay tribute to her cultural legacy, incorporating personal variations of common Pomo basketry patterns. She explains, “I made sure to include Tsokóoko, or Quail, someone deeply significant to our people. I think about Uncle Jimmy enjoying an evening beer and watching their head plumes peek out from behind the bushes. The zigzag (side) and dotted (top) patterns are inspired by one of our ancestor’s baskets, currently housed in UC Berkeley. The dotted lines pay homage to Puṭúukun (Ant), and the triangles in the middle represent our arrowhead pattern. Lastly, the triangular shapes atop the tower reflect flying Láka (Goose), with the negative space forming a 9-point star, as a tribute to Líilewali (Sky).”
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The second design selected is by Graphic Designer Lorraine Triana Rueda. Originally from Columbia, Lorraine has lived in California for 6 years and moved to Lake County recently. "It has been an incredible honor to be part of this project. “Being involved in creating this mural has not only allowed me to contribute to the community but has also enriched my understanding of the local cultural heritage and deepened my connection with the environment around me. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of something that brings the community together and celebrates our shared story."
Describing her inspiration and results of her research Lorraine stated, "This mural is a collective canvas that unites the community's profound respect for the land with its rich heritage, weaving a narrative that links past and future while inviting shared guardianship of our history and habitat. The patterns on the top of the tank symbolize the threads that connect the Pomo people to nature and the mutual respect between humans and animals. Arrowhead motifs are a testament to the people of the land, while the central zigzag, evoking deer backs and crow feet, honors the fauna that roam the terrain. Additionally, the triangles represent pine trees or pine cones, further enriching the natural symbolism.
"The design around the tank is inspired by Pomo basket patterns, featuring the bear claw to show each cardinal point (North, South, East, West) and a set of triangles at the bottom representing the turtle's back, an ode to slowing down and truly absorbing our surroundings. The composition includes Middletown's natural residents—key animals significant to the environment, and Pomo culture: deer, rabbit, red-tailed hawk, black bear, flicker, and valley quails. Each element actively participates in the region's ecological tapestry, symbolically integrated to emphasize the deep connections between the Pomo people's cultural heritage and the natural environment, enhancing the traditional craft and contemporary message of the composition."
The selection process for the mural designs was comprehensive and inclusive. After careful consideration of over 20 designs, a jury of 14 local stakeholders—including community members, the Middletown Area Merchants Association, the Water District, Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California, Cultural Educators, Middletown Area Town Hall (MATH), and MAC—chose six designs. These designs were then presented for public voting at four locations: the Water District (open weekdays), MAC (open weekends), a well-attended MATH meeting, coinciding with a County of Lake planning meeting hosted by MATH, and a Middletown Rancheria general meeting (Tribal).
Now, with the designs finalized, the painting phase has commenced under the skilled hand of Xavier Piña, owner of West Coast Painter. Xavier, who has been painting since 1999, moved to Lake County 20 years ago from Los Angeles. He has made significant contributions to the local art scene, including painting the first two murals in Lake County 14 years ago, one of which still adorns the water tank in Clearlake Oaks.
Describing her inspiration and results of her research Lorraine stated, "This mural is a collective canvas that unites the community's profound respect for the land with its rich heritage, weaving a narrative that links past and future while inviting shared guardianship of our history and habitat. The patterns on the top of the tank symbolize the threads that connect the Pomo people to nature and the mutual respect between humans and animals. Arrowhead motifs are a testament to the people of the land, while the central zigzag, evoking deer backs and crow feet, honors the fauna that roam the terrain. Additionally, the triangles represent pine trees or pine cones, further enriching the natural symbolism.
"The design around the tank is inspired by Pomo basket patterns, featuring the bear claw to show each cardinal point (North, South, East, West) and a set of triangles at the bottom representing the turtle's back, an ode to slowing down and truly absorbing our surroundings. The composition includes Middletown's natural residents—key animals significant to the environment, and Pomo culture: deer, rabbit, red-tailed hawk, black bear, flicker, and valley quails. Each element actively participates in the region's ecological tapestry, symbolically integrated to emphasize the deep connections between the Pomo people's cultural heritage and the natural environment, enhancing the traditional craft and contemporary message of the composition."
The selection process for the mural designs was comprehensive and inclusive. After careful consideration of over 20 designs, a jury of 14 local stakeholders—including community members, the Middletown Area Merchants Association, the Water District, Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California, Cultural Educators, Middletown Area Town Hall (MATH), and MAC—chose six designs. These designs were then presented for public voting at four locations: the Water District (open weekdays), MAC (open weekends), a well-attended MATH meeting, coinciding with a County of Lake planning meeting hosted by MATH, and a Middletown Rancheria general meeting (Tribal).
Now, with the designs finalized, the painting phase has commenced under the skilled hand of Xavier Piña, owner of West Coast Painter. Xavier, who has been painting since 1999, moved to Lake County 20 years ago from Los Angeles. He has made significant contributions to the local art scene, including painting the first two murals in Lake County 14 years ago, one of which still adorns the water tank in Clearlake Oaks.
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“It’s a daunting project, but years of experience give me the confidence to tackle such a feat,” says Piña. Known for his charming and personable nature, he approaches this project with a blend of enthusiasm and expertise. For the Water Basket project, Xavier and his crew had to employ “Egyptian style” techniques, using ropes, radii, and markers to lay out the intricate design. His carpentry skills have been invaluable, as the project requires precise measurements and strong math skills to handle the many angles involved. Despite the summer heat, the team follows the shade around the water tank to stay cool, noting that the tanks themselves are surprisingly cool to the touch. Reflecting on his large-scale painting projects, Xavier remarked, “It’s like they just naturally flow out of me.”
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The team has already begun painting the top of the tanks, and the scaffolding will arrive next week to assist in completing the murals. The entire project is expected to take two months to complete.
Pat Giacomini from the Callayomi County Water District Board of Directors shared her excitement about the project:"At the time the Callayomi County Water District was preparing for maintenance painting on the District’s water tanks at the top of Rabbit Hill, we were offered a unique opportunity to participate in the 'Water Basket' mural collaborative project, which included grant funds for the mural painting. Art and cultural history will come together in this project on the CCWD water tanks, which are located at the highest point in the center of town.
“I have participated in many local beautification and community projects over the years, and I believe this Water Basket project will be an outstanding (literally) statement to the uniqueness of our community. From the beginning, our whole Board and Staff were very excited about partnering with the MAC and the Pomo native historians and artists to develop this idea.
"I love the use of the imagery and cultural indigenous peoples’ symbols in such a dynamic way, as will be seen from vantage points entering town. The murals will not only feature dynamic cultural symbols but also familiar representations of the animals native to our south Lake County area. Many local residents were consulted to bring the designs alive. The MAC has worked for years to engage our community in various ways to better understand the native culture we live with and that will be represented by the murals. I am excited and proud to have been a small part of this beautiful project."
Pat Giacomini from the Callayomi County Water District Board of Directors shared her excitement about the project:"At the time the Callayomi County Water District was preparing for maintenance painting on the District’s water tanks at the top of Rabbit Hill, we were offered a unique opportunity to participate in the 'Water Basket' mural collaborative project, which included grant funds for the mural painting. Art and cultural history will come together in this project on the CCWD water tanks, which are located at the highest point in the center of town.
“I have participated in many local beautification and community projects over the years, and I believe this Water Basket project will be an outstanding (literally) statement to the uniqueness of our community. From the beginning, our whole Board and Staff were very excited about partnering with the MAC and the Pomo native historians and artists to develop this idea.
"I love the use of the imagery and cultural indigenous peoples’ symbols in such a dynamic way, as will be seen from vantage points entering town. The murals will not only feature dynamic cultural symbols but also familiar representations of the animals native to our south Lake County area. Many local residents were consulted to bring the designs alive. The MAC has worked for years to engage our community in various ways to better understand the native culture we live with and that will be represented by the murals. I am excited and proud to have been a small part of this beautiful project."
The six designs that moved to public input.
Questions? Contact info@middletownartcenter.org or call 707-355-4465
Artistic elements sought:
• Geometric, symbolic or graphic designs inspired by Pomo basketry
• Elements that reflect the area’s history, people, and ecology may be integrated including animals and plants native to local ecosystems.
• Strong positive/negative space relationships
• Traditional Pomo colors red, orange, yellow, brown, black, straw/ochre; minimal additional hues. The background color of the smaller tank will be painted a kind of yellowish beige (resembling dried grasses). Artist may have input on the background color. The larger tank is currently a light neutral green tint (like seagrass).
• Dynamic composition
• Continuity – top to sides and around
• Easily decipherable from afar and above
• Calls attention to the hill and local ecology
• Geometric, symbolic or graphic designs inspired by Pomo basketry
• Elements that reflect the area’s history, people, and ecology may be integrated including animals and plants native to local ecosystems.
• Strong positive/negative space relationships
• Traditional Pomo colors red, orange, yellow, brown, black, straw/ochre; minimal additional hues. The background color of the smaller tank will be painted a kind of yellowish beige (resembling dried grasses). Artist may have input on the background color. The larger tank is currently a light neutral green tint (like seagrass).
• Dynamic composition
• Continuity – top to sides and around
• Easily decipherable from afar and above
• Calls attention to the hill and local ecology
View documentation of the presentation portion of each of the Water Basket workshops. In each workshop, Pomo Culture Bearers/Artists share about Pomo cultural heritage and the rich legacy of Pomo basketry renowned worldwide and unique to this region. Each workshop also provides support for Native and Non Native people in bringing their vision for the tanks forward. Have a look!
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A panel discussion and workshops on basketry patterns, and design led by Pomo cultural artists opened the project in September 2023.
All events are free to the public. CLICK TO READ our press release.
All events are free to the public. CLICK TO READ our press release.
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What do you imagine?
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Images: Pomo Basket from the Lake County Courthouse Museum, photo by Corine Pearce
Water tanks on Rabbit Hill from the east (Hwy 29) looking west; from the west looking east
Water tanks on Rabbit Hill from the east (Hwy 29) looking west; from the west looking east
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This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.
To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.
