10 Murals in 10 Years

An area nonprofit hopes to decorate a local wall with a depiction of early Hermosa Beach history. The Hermosa Beach Mural Project, founded in January and granted nonprofit status in April, wants to complete 10 murals throughout Hermosa Beach over the next 10 years.

"The murals project does several things," said Chuck Sheldon, president of the Mural Project and a former city councilman. "It beautifies the city with public art, provides a documentation of the history of the city, offers a point of discussion to help educate residents, and adds to the economy by creating an opportunity for tourism."

Sheldon presented the group's plans to the city Planning Commission on April 20.

"This is an interesting opportunity for us as a city to get on the map and make Hermosa Beach a cultural destination," Sheldon said.

The commission will have final approval over the murals project.

"I think it's a great idea," Commissioner Peter Hoffman said. "It does a positive thing for the city because it creates a sense of place and identity for locals and a destination for tourists."

Don DeMaderios, who serves as the project's vice president, said plans are already underway for the first mural.

"We are looking at different buildings, considering about 20 locations, and looking through artists' portfolios," DeMaderios said.

The project has a website, Facebook profile and Twitter account.

The theme for the first mural is "Early Hermosa." The mural will represent historical figures from Hermosa Beach such as Ralph Matteson, Sarah Beane and former Mayor Logan Cotton.

"This will add a new dimension to the community and set a good example of how to diversify an area," Hoffman said.

The group will have to consider the costs and location for its project. Murals can cost $10,000 to $50,000. The project is also requiring that once a mural is on a wall it has to remain there for 10 years, even if the building is sold.

Sheldon said upkeep of the murals would be provided by a repair and maintenance fund with money raised by the group. The Hermosa Beach Mural Project would also pay close attention to the wall surface and the painting materials in order to preserve the murals as best as possible.

The Murals Project is accepting memberships and donations through its website.

Its first fundraising event is June 5 at 10 a.m. It's called a Walk in History and will take people through 12 locations that represent important points in Hermosa history. Attendees will also be able to paint on a canvas mural.

The group hopes that eventually its murals will also serve as important historical points for the city.

"Docents will lead public tours and student tours of the murals so people can learn about our history," Sheldon said. He cited towns such as Santa Paula, CA, Twentynine Palms, CA,  and Chemainus, Canada, where murals have been  successful community projects

"Public art always enhances a community, and this is the best kind of public art because it brings the community together into one project," Sheldon said.

The project has the backing of former councilmen George Schmeltzer and J.R. Revicsky. Dick Curdy, John Horger and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Carla Merriman serve alongside Sheldon and DeMaderios on the Mural Project board. 

The group is seeking volunteers for its four committees: Theme & Concept, Membership & Fundraising, Marketing & PR, and Site Selection. Membership forms are available at www.hermosamurals.org.