Photos by Maria Martin
1. Two young ladies add their artistic flair to a mural of the Ballona Wetlands
2. A paint-smudged toddler appears baffled by her hula hoop
3. A girl paints the mural with intense focus while trying not to get paint on her pretty pink crinoline
4. Rocking a side pony, a girl hula hoops like nobody’s watching
5. Mobil Mural Lab co-founder Roberto Del Hoyo helps two sisters with their painting technique
The Mobile Mural Lab rolled into town on Saturday, July 15, bringing a giant unfinished canvas with an image of Ballona Creek to Concert Park. Roberto Del Hoyo and David Russell, co-founders of the community engagement nonprofit, encouraged passersby of all ages to pick up a paintbrush and add color to the mural.
Russell said it was vital for children to take part in creating the mural.
“It’s a way for kids to understand the importance of preserving the natural environment,” he said.
For Del Hoyo, the event was a powerful experience in itself.
“This is a community coming together in its purest form,” he said. “They might live a block away but have probably never even spoken to each other. Not only are they being creative, they’re learning more about each other, which is important.”
The completed mural will soon go on display at Playa Vista Elementary School.
— Shanee Edwards
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