“A new mural in west Ventura sets images of life along Ventura Avenue onto a 600-foot public canvas on Wall Street.
The project, which involved 57 artists and more than a dozen community members, is the sixth mural developed by the nonprofit Westside Community Development Corp.”
The mural’s name, “Pura Avenida,” translates from Spanish to “pure avenue.”
“Pura Avenida was brought to life thanks to the many established artists, mural makers and youth who worked together every step of the way,” said Jackie Pearce, the nonprofit’s director, in a statement.
The colorful images stretch along a wall at the south end of Wall Street, which runs parallel to and east of Ventura Avenue, in an area where homes sit near the hilly terrain of Grant Park.
The mural design was developed by Cynthia Polk, with the overall project conceived by Polk and fellow artists Dain Acevedo, Onofre Banderas, Vince Felix, Juan Martinez and Patzy Salazar. The artists worked on the project with at-risk youth, Pearce said.
One end of the mural shows a girl with Día de los Muertos face paint blowing bubbles that seem to roll down the hill. The bubbles serve as frames. Inside each is a familiar image of Avenue life: local landmarks and culture, food, vintage cars, iconic buildings and the like.
On midday Thursday, Camarillo resident Benny Godina Jr., 48, was riding on his bike past the art-covered wall when he stopped to admire it.
“It’s beautiful because it’s showing all the local scenic spots,” Godina said.
The nonprofit’s Westside Mural Beautification Program is meant to deter graffiti and highlight community pride and engagement.
The projects are funded in part by federal Community Development Block Grants and local private donations. The Pura Avenida mural was supported by the city of Ventura’s Parks and Recreation Department, Two Trees Community Church and other private donors, according to Westside’s statement.
On Saturday, a community gathering to dedicate the new mural will take place from 4-7 p.m. The celebration will include a Chumash blessing, lowriders and photo opportunities.
For more information, visit westsideventura.org/pura-avenida.”