Sunday through Wednesday of next week, there will be a community renovation of the mural known as “Postcards from Ballona.”
Located next to the Julian Dixon Library — along the bike access ramp at Overland Avenue, everybody is invited to the project to restore this vandalized historic mural.
You don’t have to be an artist, just enthusiastic and willing.
In 1995, three artists, Lori Escalera, Lucy Blake-Elahi and Francois Bardol, along with a group of community volunteers known as “The Ballona Creek Mural Committee,” collaborated on an idea:
Beautifying an ugly little section of the Ballona Creek bike path with “postcards” depicting the history of Culver City.
Their vision encompassed gathering together local students, government, city organizations, resident artists and other volunteers to create a sense of community involvement.
However, since it was originally painted in 1997, this lovely mural has suffered the ravages of neglect, vandalism and graffiti.
With this renovation, all the damage will be reversed.
Volunteers of all ages are invited to participate in this historic effort. Orgabnizers say that the more community members who are involved, the better the chances are to protect the mural from damage and future vandalism.
Participants should bring sunscreen, shade hats, snacks and water. Some snacks and water will be provided.
Those who do not want to paint, may stop by anyway and view the progress.
The schedule:
Sunday, 11 to 4, drawing and prepping for painting.
Monday through Wednesday, 10 to 4, painting.
Ballona Creek was important to the livelihood of the Indians who originally inhabited the area, and to the development of the city.
The Gabrieleno Indians used the waterway for transportation and fishing. Founder Harry Culver saw Thomas Ince shooting a movie on the creek and the film industry in Culver City, which has included MGM, Desilu and Sony Studios, was born.
For more information, downloadable photos, and movie, visit thestreetpainter.com/CommunityArt/UPCOMING%21.html
Ms. Wilkins may be contacted at artcat@sbcglobal.net
Ms. Escalara may be contacted at design.etc@cox.net
