Beneath the Santa Monica Freeway lies a story etched in paint. It is the History of Pico Neighborhood Mural. This mural, on Stewart Street, tells tales of a community’s past. Ann Elizabeth Thiermann created this vibrant artwork.
The History of Pico Neighborhood Mural captures moments in time. Thiermann asked people to pose for her project. One resident, Cecilia Brainard, posed with her son. Thiermann used their images as models for the mural. Brainard recalls that the final image wasn’t an exact likeness. Still, she cherishes the memory every time she passes by.
The Pico neighborhood itself is an arts hub. It boasts over 170 street art murals within its small area. Pico Boulevard ends at the beach. It connects Santa Monica High School and Santa Monica College. Virginia Avenue Park is also nearby with its beloved farmers market.
Luca Zamoc’s Pico mural initiated the “Pico Renaissance”. Zamoc is an Italian artist. He collaborated with the community. The mural represents “stronger together”. Horses pulling a rope symbolize this unity.
Many murals enhance Pico Boulevard. Joe Nicoletti’s “SASKIA” graces Animal Kingdom. Danny Darkoski created a mural at the Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica. Janice Chang’s “Our Actions Today, Our Future Tomorrow” is at Santa Monica High School. Jonas Never’s “Tyler Skaggs” honors the late baseball player at Boba Lab. Jules Muck’s “Sesame Street” adds whimsy to Pico Blvd.
The Clare Foundation showcases two murals by artist SEL. They encourage viewers to “Reflect” and “Inspire”. These murals uplift the community. Clinton Bopp’s realistic mural is at Advantage Real Estate. DJ Neff’s dragon mural brings magic to Subway.
Ruben Rojas and SEL collaborated on the “Create” mural. It is at Threshold Sound + Vision. The mural embodies Zappos.com’s core value. East Los Streetscapers created “Our Pico Neighborhood”. It is located at Virginia Ave Park.
Allison Kunath’s “Love” mural adorns The Brixton. It spells out the word in sign language. Uriel Bautista’s “Expanding Love” enhances UnUrban Coffeehouse. Gus Harper’s “The Minor Identity Crisis Mural” welcomes visitors to Pico Blvd.
The History of Pico Neighborhood Mural and the many other murals showcase the community’s spirit. They offer a vibrant and engaging experience. The murals reflect the dreams and aspirations of the residents. They beautify the everyday lives of those who live here. They transform the streets into an open-air art gallery. The murals tell the story of Pico. They make Pico a unique and inspiring place.