Murals are bringing a new look to downtown Stockton.
Ten students have painted murals on 4 utility boxes near Janet Leigh Plaza in downtown Stockton.
One mural depicts a yellow and orange dragon unfurling itself.
Another shows Stockton landmarks and a diverse group of smiling people.
That's the design of Yadira Vivero who was chosen to paint her mural.
"My painting says Stockton could be happy with everyone joined together as a community showing al the positive things that Stockton has to hold," says Vivero.
The Stockton Mural Art Resource Team is coordinating the effort.
Artist Michael Oliva is one of the group's mentors.
He says not only does the art bring beauty to downtown, it deters graffiti.
"We found a lot of times when we do exterior murals that if people going to tag, they'll tag near the mural but they generally won't tag right on it," says Oliva.
The students are being paid for their work by the Downtown Stockton Alliance showing that art does have value.
The murals will be officially unveiled on Thursday.
"Brings some color, brings a little more vibrancy and life, we got a lot of young, very talented students and we're going to brighten up Stockton, I'm tired of people saying how miserable this city is and my Stockton Mural Art Resource Team is going to change all that one wall at a time," says Oliva.
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