It’s now a completed work of art that was done by award-winning artist Anthony Ortega. Ortega, a Reno-based tattoo artist and well-accomplished muralist, started doing graffiti around the age of 13, and like many street artists, he began his journey by artistically using spray paint. His unique interpretation inspired by fruit crate labels of the 1920s was his initial inspiration for the mural.

CIRE Equity sponsors this project, as we are the owner and manager of Pear Tree Center. The project made sense since the team at CIRE is very passionate about integrating public art into our properties whenever possible, as it creates a sense of place within the community. We deeply value community engagement and, over the years, have been an active member of the Greater Ukiah Business and Tourism Alliance and an ongoing sponsor of numerous community events, including Sundays in the Park, PumpkinFest, and Ukiah on Ice.

CIRE has been regularly involved in supporting Ukiah and Mendocino County’s thriving arts community. In 2020, we partnered with local artist Lauren Sinnott to replicate her Ukiah Valley Conference Center mural depicting the history of Ukiah on light pole banners throughout the center, and in 2021, we supported the Deep Valley Arts Collective in their endeavor to launch Medium Gallery. CIRE plans to continue supporting public art initiatives not only in Ukiah, but throughout our entire portfolio.

Having had several of collaborative partnerships with the city over the years and specifically inspired by the Fifty in Five Campaign, which is an informal initiative of the Community Services Department that plans to put up 50 works of art throughout the community in the next five years. We plan to continue being part of that initiative since our team formed a committee to identify the best locations to integrate public art in Ukiah and across many of our other properties.

How the vision came to life

After the initial site walk, the decision was obvious — the Lucky Supermarket wall was the best place for the mural to reside. Its vast size, 3,175 square feet, facing Perkins, also the gateway to downtown Ukiah, offers maximum visibility, immediately establishing a sense of place and an opportunity to highlight the area and growing shopping center.

It was also very advantageous that the management at Lucky was excited and in agreement with the vision and only requested that the creative tie-in to their business be an interpretation of Ukiah’s history and its roots in agriculture, specifically the pear orchards. It evolved towards using a fruit crate label of the 1920s as an artistic theme.

After reaching out to multiple artists and reviewing numerous submissions, the Pear Tree Center’s team decided on Ortega based on his design concept – a mural featuring a woman with a pear in hand against a backdrop of valley and mountains – which perfectly aligned with the creative parameters and goals established by the team. With the Lucky Supermarket wall as his canvas, Ortega uses the bricks, the vents, and the light fixtures as a grid system to line up the painting. His original digital design was created on his iPad, and he projected the image onto the wall to bring his vision to life!

Visit the Ukiah Daily Journal to learn more about Pear Tree Center, the artistic Ukiah community, and Ortega’s vision for this beautiful mural.

Pear Tree / Ukiah, CA

Property Type: Retail

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Understanding the Value of the Arts:

The Arts Council of Mendocino County, through its annual Arts Champion Awards, acknowledges individuals, artists, educators, schools, and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to fostering the arts within the community. This year, Pear Tree Center and CIRE Equity were nominated and ultimately selected as the Business Arts Champion, a testament to our influence on the local arts landscape.

Among their notable projects in the community, Pear Tree Center/CIRE Equity collaborated with muralist Anthony Ortega to create the stunning Lucky Supermarket Mural at Pear Tree Center in Ukiah, CA. This masterpiece not only adds visual appeal but also narrates the rich history of Ukiah through its captivating imagery. Additionally, another collaborative effort extended to partnering with local artist Lauren Sinnott to replicate the Ukiah Valley Conference Center mural on light pole banners throughout the center. We also supported the Deep Valley Arts Collective to open Medium Gallery further underscores CIRE’s commitment to fostering artistic initiatives within the great Ukiah community.

CIRE has been regularly involved in supporting Ukiah/Mendocino County’s thriving arts community. In 2020, we partnered with local artist Lauren Sinnott to replicate her Ukiah Valley Conference Center mural depicting the history of Ukiah on light pole banners throughout the center, and in 2021, we supported the Deep Valley Arts Collective in their endeavor to launch Medium Gallery

As Pear Tree Center and CIRE Equity bask in the glory of being named the 2023 Mendocino County Arts Champion in the Business category, we hope our journey stands as an inspiration for businesses to actively contribute to the arts and cultural vitality of their local communities. This recognition is not just an accolade but a celebration of the profound impact that strategic partnerships, support for local artists, and contributions to nonprofit organizations can have on the artistic landscape, contributing to a flourishing cultural tapestry and the greater community.

Please visit the Arts Council of Mendocino to learn more.

Pear Tree / Ukiah, CA

Property Type: Retail

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In December 2023, we held the first-ever Frosty Fest at Park West in Peoria, AZ, marking a spectacular beginning to the holiday season, leaving a trail of joy and memories for over 8,000+ visitors at our Park West Shopping Center. More than just a festive event, it was a testament to the power of community collaboration. Join us as we take you through the enchanting highlights of this magical celebration, all made possible by our team, local businesses, non-profits, and generous sponsors.

A Winter Wonderland for All:

Against the backdrop of Park West, our team, in collaboration with local businesses, non-profits, and sponsors, transformed the space into a fabulous winter wonderland. Real snow, reindeer rides, train rides, lively performances, and engaging games for the kids set the stage for an unforgettable experience. Families from all corners of the Valley gathered to share in the festive spirit, creating a sense of unity and warmth.

Puppy Love and Fur-ever Homes:

One of the standout moments was the presence of Puppy Luv Animal Rescue, who brought not only joy but also the opportunity for a forever home to four adorable puppies. The collaboration with Puppy Luv Animal Rescue added an extra layer of heartwarming moments to Frosty Fest, proving that community events can make a real impact on both humans and furry friends alike.

Beyond Shopping – Park West as a Community Hub:

Park West isn’t just a shopping destination; it’s a thriving community hub on the west side of the Valley. The success of Frosty Fest highlights the importance of fostering community connections beyond retail spaces. A special shoutout goes to Funergy, whose generous sponsorship made this magical event possible, emphasizing the role of local businesses in creating vibrant and memorable community experiences.

And as the lights dim on the inaugural Frosty Fest at Park West, we extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of the 8,000+ visitors who joined us in this celebration of community and holiday cheer. The event not only marked the beginning of the festive season but also showcased the spirit of togetherness and collaboration that defines Park West. Stay tuned for more community-driven events or visit Park West’s website as we continue to make memories, build connections, and spread joy in the heart of the Valley. Thank you for being a part of this magical journey with us!

Park West / Peoria, AZ

Property Type: Retail

The post Park West Frosty Fest appeared first on CIRE Equity.

In October 2023, the grounds of Park West in Peoria, AZ, came alive with laughter, spooky surprises, and a sense of community during our 4th annual Boo Bash event. Hosted by CIRE and the team at Park West, Boo Bash has become a beloved tradition, offering families a chance to revel in the Halloween spirit, explore the Park West Shopping Center, and create cherished memories. Join us as we recap the highlights of this spooktacular evening that brought together over 14,200 attendees for a night of fun, games, and community building. Some of this year’s highlights include:

Rhythmic Beats and Dance Moves:

The night kicked off with the infectious rhythm of Boom percussion, inviting attendees to showcase their dance moves and get into the spooky groove. The beats echoed through Park West, setting the tone for an evening filled with energy and excitement.

Thrilling Games and Fantastic Prizes:

Boo Bash 2023 offered a plethora of thrilling games that engaged attendees of all ages. From classic carnival games to Halloween-themed challenges, participants had the chance to win fantastic prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.

Trunk or Treat Delights:

Sweet treats awaited at the trunk or treat table, satisfying the collective sweet tooth of attendees. The carefully curated goodies added a delicious touch to the Halloween festivities, creating smiles and moments of delight for both kids and adults.

Spine-Tingling Surprises and Magical Moments:

The evening was adorned with spine-tingling surprises, mesmerizing magic, and appearances from beloved spooky characters. From unexpected encounters to enchanting performances, Boo Bash 2023 brought the magic of Halloween to life, leaving attendees captivated by the festivities.

Record Attendance and Community Spirit:

With over 14,200 attendees, Boo Bash 2023 marked our most successful year yet. The event has evolved into a cherished tradition, fostering a sense of community at Park West beyond just a shopping destination and driving substantial foot traffic to support local businesses. The overwhelming turnout is a testament to the event’s popularity and the community’s enthusiasm for this annual celebration.

Gratitude and Recognition:

A heartfelt shoutout goes to the dedicated CIRE team, including Kelly, Briana, Katie, Valarie, Carolyn, and Natasha, whose hard work and thoughtfulness contributed to making Boo Bash a standout success year after year. Special thanks are also extended to Arrowhead Honda for their generous support, emphasizing the importance of community partnerships in making such events possible.

And as the curtain falls on Boo Bash 2023, we once again want to extend our sincere thanks to the 14,200+ attendees who made this Halloween celebration unforgettable. Boo Bash continues to be a beacon of community spirit, and we look forward to many more years of spooktacular memories at Park West. Our team is already buzzing with excitement for the next Boo Bash, where we’ll once again aim to create an atmosphere of laughter, joy, and shared experiences. Until then, thank you for making Boo Bash 2023 a howling success!

Park West / Peoria, AZ

Property Type: Retail

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