Art and history make a beautiful match! Rosemary Vasquez Tuthill, a renowned portrait artist and muralist, and her husband, Steve Tuthill, a computer scientist and AI consultant, set out to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States by creating a 4-foot by 8-foot oil painting which is much more than a painting. It is an inspirational and educational tribute to our history that unites traditional artistry, historical research and technology.
Composed of vignettes of American history, the mural focuses on three themes: Unity, Freedom and Progress. Unity anchors the mural with milestone events from our nation’s founding. Freedom, designed as an arch at the mural’s center, bridges the past and future honoring the Founding Fathers, the end of slavery, Dr. Martin Luther King, Arlington National Cemetery, the Statue of Liberty as a beacon of resilience and hope, and more. Progress drives the story forward, celebrating innovation, exploration and a vision of what lies ahead.
The mural is as much a teaching tool as it is art. Viewers can hover over each vignette for a popup description that explains its significance. In addition, the website includes interactive blogs, quotes from the Founders, and a Companion Book offering a guided journey with historical notes, quizzes and activities, making it a perfect classroom or family resource.
Rosemary’s father, Emigdio Vasquez, was a renowned muralist in Orange County whose work can be seen across our community, including a beautiful mural created for the City of Anaheim commemorating the city’s 125th anniversary. It hangs in the Anaheim City Hall. In 2020, Rosemary completed a mural for the City of Eastvale titled We Built This City, which is displayed in the Eastvale City Hall.
Copies of the mural, in various sizes and forms, can be obtained on the Anniversary Mural website. But the website should be visited by everyone who loves art, desires to be inspired by art and our history coming together and is looking for a unique educational experience for themselves and young people.
The website is usa250thanniversarymural.com .