Art in Rosarito

Muralist Morrie Diego Baker

By Kim Wherley 

A true humanitarian and the driving force behind the: “A Happy Day at the Beach” mural project, Morrie Diego Baker, volunteered his artistic talents and time for the greater good of his beloved, “adopted” city of Rosarito in Baja California. Baker has successfully completed 5 murals around the San Francisco Bay area where he flourished as an artist in stain glass, custom lamps and windows for over 15 years. Now retired, Baker has been a resident of Rosarito for 6 years, and felt it was time to “give back” to Rosarito Beach and it’s people.
We asked Baker why he chose to do the mural:“The purpose of my mural this summer,
“A Happy Day at the Beach”, was to do several things: First, to expose art to as many
children in Rosarito as possible; to let them get involved in painting, designing, exploring color; and, to open their eyes to a whole new world of creativity and thought, etc. Second, to get as many retirees as I could to participate in the process as well; to help the youngsters and to give something back to their “adopted” city [of Rosarito Beach].Third, to build community... working together, understanding that we are all on the same small planet and that our differences,including but not limited to age, culture,language, background, ability level of art,color, and race are not reasons we can’t all get along and do something wonderful together! Lastly, to turn a graffiti-covered eyesore into a gorgeous work of art that makes people smile as they walk or drive by it; that will cheer all of us up, that will make us want to say to each other, “that looks like so much fun....let’s go to the beach today!” Rosarito has so much to offer, and the beach is one major item that we all love.
Baker’s mural was supported and honored Mayor Hugo Torres and Artes por Todas Partes. In addition, donated paint from Comex and Baker’s added efforts in providing extra brushes and materials to the mix welcomed everyone and anyone to participate in the completion of the mural. With the additional help of two young, aspiring artists from Rosarito, over 30 local kids and about 25 retired expatriates of the community, the mural was completed on August 15th, 2010. The mural project was not only a fun, intercultural event, but the mural it self symbolizes the spirit and beauty of the Rosarito beach. “A Happy Day at the Beach” mural is located on the outside wall of the sports field “Ejido Mazatlan Shopping Center”,
just one block north of Waldo’s along Benito Juarez Boulevard.