Analy’s newest mural carries a powerful message, a reflection of history, and one graduate’s legacy. Painted last spring, and completed at the beginning of the school year, the mural transforms the outside wall of our school’s library into a thought-provoking work of art. While its imagery catches the eye of many passing students, many of them walk by without knowing its significance or the story it tells.

Owen Foley, an Analy graduate from the class of 2024, and now a freshman at UC Berkeley, began the process of bringing the vision of his mural to life towards the end of his junior year. Reflecting on his inspiration for the mural, Foley explained, “Moved by watching “Leap of Faith” in history class, I was compelled to create a memorial project to commemorate and honor the Japanese Americans who were incarcerated in WWII, especially those from Analy High School.” This moment in class inspired him to create a project that would honor and raise awareness for a pivotal moment in history, with a focus on those from our local community. 

The mural tells a moving story, depicting a Japanese-American man leaving behind his home and his farm along with his young son, being forcibly taken to incarceration in so-called “internment camps” set up by the U.S. government during World War II. The moment depicted in the mural represents the experiences of Japanese-Americans who were unjustly removed from their homes and sent to the camps during this time period. Foley’s mural also serves as a tribute to those in our Analy community who were directly affected by this horrific chapter of history. “He heads into one of the many “internment” camps set up by the US Government during World War II. 

Fearful of an imagined enemy within, the US Government incarcerated more than 120,000 American citizens of Japanese descent, including several Analy students and their families.” Foley described. The mural ensures their stories are not forgotten, and allows viewers to reflect on the consequences of prejudice and the resilience of those who endured it.

Creating a mural of this scale was no small task, but muralist Owen Foley found strong support within the Analy community to help bring his vision to life. “At Analy, I cherished the help of willing staff and students,” he recalled. He credited his art teacher, Ms. Crawford, for offering valuable advice and support, saying, “ I took two art classes with Ms. Crawford who gave me credit as well as tips for painting up a wall.” To secure the necessary funding for the project, Owen founded the Zen  Remembrance Club at the end of his junior year, along with a group of like-minded students, noting, “With the club, I gained various approvals and raised money.” Around this time he started early sketches of what his mural design would be. Foley also worked with Principal Chuck Wade and Jennie Bruneman, who gave him various approvals needed for his mural to come together. Most of his project occurred from April 9th to August 15th, 2024. “I spent around 150 hours painting the mural and running the associated errands,” Foley added.

When we asked Foley what emotions he hoped his mural would evoke, and what message it represents for the community, he told us, “This mural is intended to show the grief and loss experienced by those forced to leave their homes and farms as well as leave a note of hope. Many Americans disapproved of this plan, and some helped out where they could, including the Analy student portrayed here taking the man’s rake; he promises to look after the family’s property until they could return. Most were not so lucky and had to sell cheap or lose their property as well as their freedom.”. He added, “It is hoped that this project will be a reminder that the community standing up against the denial of the basic rights of any group is the first step in defending the liberty of all Americans, especially in the face of a government ready to use emergency powers to enact illegal and unconstitutional actions.”.

As Foley reflected on his journey, he offered some wise words to students wanting to pursue art or other types of creative projects, saying, “My advice to those pursuing art as well as creativity in general: do not be afraid to experiment, even if ideas seem impractical. Creativity is about generating a lot of ideas and choosing the best. Creativity can also be about combining known elements together in such ways that result in novel compositions. In this mural’s planning process, I generated many ideas with sketches. While painting, I was continuously trying new techniques and methods as I went along.” Foley’s mural is not just a work of art but also the beginning of a local initiative to honor history and educate future generations. “The Sonoma County chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League was delighted when I presented the results, and we plan on having a ribbon-cutting event in the future.” Plans are also underway to install a plaque next to the mural, and below the mural, a Zen Remembrance Garden is set to take shape. Foley’s mural serves as an important reminder of the past and a beacon for future generations to reflect on history and is a testament to the impact art can have on a community. As he leaves his mark on Analy, Foley’s work will inspire students to continue the legacy of remembrance and creativity.

Below: Additional Photos of the Mural. Photo Credit: Owen Foley.

Gallery • 4 Photos