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Ofrenda Maya I (Mayan Offering), a glazed ceramic tile mural, is set into the exterior wall next to the City Terrace Library’s entrance. It measures 9’ h x 12’ w and depicts two Mayan warriors kneeling on either side of a third warrior who stands above them with his arms outstretched, grasping a chalice and rattle. The figure on the right bows his head, while the opposite warrior lifts up his hands. The artwork is done in a Pre-Columbian Mayan style – the overall composition is highly detailed, intricate, and colorful.

There are 432 earthenware clay tiles in the mural and each tile measures 6” square.
The tiles were colored using low-fire glazes and the resulting shades are bright and glossy. The mural was severely damaged in 2007 and the Public Library Department set aside funds in 2008 for artist and art restorer José Luis Gonzalez to recreate 116 damaged ceramic tiles for the mural. The replica tiles were installed in early 2009.

See
Goez Art Studio, Centro Maravilla Service Center
Goez Art Studio, Department of Public Social Services

About the Artists: Founded in East Los Angeles in 1969 by José Luis Gonzalez, his brother Juan Gonzalez, and their friend David Botello, Goez Art Studio was originally a business that provided many artistic services including art restoration, advertisement design, custom furniture fabrication, and mural creation. In the 1970s Goez’s focus turned increasingly to murals and the Studio created many significant public artworks in the Los Angeles area.

José Luis Gonzalez directed the Ofrenda Maya I mural project and Robert Arenivar (1931-1985) created the design. Robert Arenivar was born in Pittsburg, California but grew up in East Los Angeles and became a self-taught artist. When Goez formed, José Luis Gonzalez invited Arenivar to join the Studio. Arenivar quit his factory job and eventually became Goez’s head mural designer and illustrator. José Luis Gonzalez continues to operate Goez Art Studio today.

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