By the San Fernando Valley Sun/El Sol and City News Service
A team of seven professional artists are working on what is described as a massive public mural titled, “A Valley In Time” located at San Fernando Road and Roxford Street in Sylmar.
LA Councilmember Monica Rodriguez said the mural “transforms a highly visible space from eyesore and blight to a celebrated art piece that captures the uniqueness of Sylmar from the eyes of local muralist, Erica Friend.”
Friend is leading a team of local artists to design the mural, which will depict Sylmar’s agricultural past with agricultural fields on one side juxtaposed by the present day look of the Northeast Valley community — with a paved, palm tree-lined street — on the other side.
The team of professional muralists is comprised of Levi Ponce, Juan Pablo Reyes of JP Murals, Javier Lopez of Versus, Ray Valencia of MuteOne, Rah Azul and Desiree Sanchez of Desiboo Creations.
The mural will also include phases of the moon, the sun shining on the mountains, and local landmarks like the Los Angeles aqueduct system, a hiking trail, a hang glider giving a nod to the Sylmar Hang Gliding Association and includes images reflecting Sylmar’s equestrian community.
The mural will also pay homage to the local tribe, the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians.
The mural — 289 feet long and 30 feet high — is being painted on the rear wall of Three Hands Corp., which Rodriguez’ office said has been the target of “endless graffiti.” She hopes that the mural will deter vandalism and brighten the San Fernando Road corridor.
Another large sized colorful mural in Sylmar titled “Ancestral Healing,” near Glenoaks Boulevard and Sayre Street behind an assortment of shops, was recently completed by four Latina artists who said they “wanted to inspire the community.”
The project is being managed by the public art nonprofit 11:11 Projects.
“11:11 Projects is thrilled to be the project lead and managers of this monumental wall. As a Sylmar resident myself, I’m so happy to be part of the effort to beautify and revitalize our community with some of the most talented SFV Valley muralists,” said Addy Gonzalez Renteria, co-executive director of 11:11 Projects.
“This project is woman-led and powered with the support of Councilmember Rodriguez and lead artist Erica Friend and our hope is that this beautiful mural brings pride to our neighborhoods.”
What exactly did M-Rod DO to help out? Or is she just grabbing free publicity from others work?