City of Irvine employee and artist Sandra Cisneros transformed the carousel experience at Great Park. The carousel was at Fashion Island before coming to Great Park in 2010. Cisneros painted new scenes for the carousel panels in 2020, including open space at Quail Hill and Bommer Canyon.
You wear two hats: city employee and artist. How do they connect?
As a community engagement specialist, I bring imaginative elements to city events, including decor, crafts and educational displays. I’ve been creating art for over 20 years across many mediums, but painting is my favorite.
How did this project land on your easel?
I was leading youth programs at the Irvine Fine Arts Center when the initiative to repaint the murals was introduced. Great Park staff wanted a city employee to complete them; I was honored and thrilled my supervisors recommended me.
How did you approach the storytelling?
After researching the park’s history, three themes emerged: the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro heritage; the sports and recreational transformation; and Irvine’s beautiful landscapes. I split them into four panels each. Military scenes with jets and Walt Disney’s “Flying Bull” mascot, action sports shots with forced perspective, and tranquil vistas from Bommer Canyon to the Spectrum Ferris wheel.
Which panel captures your heart?
The nightfall scene with the Great Park balloon and carousel. It was my first painting and set the precedent for the series. The challenge of highlighting the carousel’s glow, reflecting vivid orange and yellow against dark blues and purples, brought such excitement. Plus, it was amusing painting the carousel on its own panel!
What’s your hope for young riders?
That the artwork sparks curiosity, inspiring kids to ask about how this land transformed from military base to community playground.
The carousel is open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday-Friday and 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays.
