“Si Se Puede” by Dustin Hunt // Summer 2022

502 East Grand River Avenue // Lansing, Michigan

Exterior approximately 40’ W X 15’ H // Interior approximately 12’ W X 11’ H // latex and spray paint

Multidisciplinary creative and Muralmatics founder, Dustin Hunt, wanted to create a mural recognizing the unique aspects of Old Town's history. Resurrection is a central theme of this mural. A Lansing youth of Mexican and African descent with deep familial ties to Lansing is building an ancient Aztec deity, Quetzalcoatl, with remnants of history and heritage unique to Old Town. Dating back to the 40s, the agriculture and automobile industry depended on the labor of migrant workers, who in turn established themselves in north Lansing for generations to come. With Michigan being a critical agriculture state, Chesar Chavez visited Lansing on several occasions amidst the United Farm Workers movement to protect thousands of farm workers nationwide. North Lansing became the center of a tightly-knit Latino community in the 60s and 70s. Old Town was the hub of Latino culture, from small businesses to community centers to bilingual newspapers and radio shows. Even so, assimilation is a powerful force that can rob a generation of its culture under the cloak of protection. Some are tasked with resurrecting what was lost for the next generation to understand and protect. The last block that the youth is adding to Quetzalcoatl completes the title of this mural, "Si Se Puede," the motto of the United Farm Workers, which translates roughly to "Yes, we can." 

There are several nods to long-standing Old Town businesses, including Elderly Instruments, Friedland Industries, MessageMakers, Preuss Pets, and Zoobies. Additional nods include the unique festivals hosted in Old Town, including Michigan BluesFest, JazzFest Michigan, and ScrapFest.

Dustin created an additional interior mural at the Temple Lofts to pay tribute to Robert Busby, a visionary mainly responsible for Old Town's resurrection. Robert was lovingly considered the Mayor of Old Town, who fostered a deep sense of inclusivity and creativity in the quirky, scrappy part of North Lansing that folks have grown to appreciate.