City's First of 10 Murals Finds a Home

The large parking structure on the corner of Hermosa Avenue and 13th Street, just a block away from ocean waves, will soon be transformed into an artistic masterpiece.

The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to allow the Hermosa Beach Murals Project to paint its first mural on the north wall of the structure, Lot C. The project is a community initiative to paint 10 murals around town in 10 years.

"We intend to do the best we can to improve this city one mural at a time," said Chuck Sheldon, Hermosa Beach Murals Project president. "We're ready to do the first one."

Themed "Early Hermosa," the first mural will be centered around the city's founders, depicting local history in vibrant color painted directly on the parking structure's wall canvas. Sheldon said that the location was chosen partly for its proximity to downtown.

"The subject ties in nicely to the evolving Pier Plaza," he said.

At an estimated size of 16 by 40 feet, the mural will face traffic heading south on Hermosa Avenue. Sheldon said that Art Mortimer, known for his artwork throughout Southern California, has been considered to paint the first mural.

Just last month, Mayor Michael DiVirgilio presented a certificate of recognition to Hermosa Beach Murals Project members for organizing a successful Walk in History 1900-1919 fundraiser event, raising money for the murals to come.

"Here we have a group of citizens that care about the community and love the community," said Councilman Peter Tucker. "I want to thank them."