The Postcards are Baaaaaaack!!!!!!

Thanks to the tremendous organizational and artistic skills of Lori Escalera, the Postcards from Ballona mural is once again up and running. Who would have thought that just a week ago the wall behind the Julian Dixon Library in Culver City was nothing more than a graffiti-covered eyesore—and now it is once again telling the history of the Ballona area.

Artists Lucy Blake-Elahi and Francois Bardol seemed to render their magic in the blink of an eye (and like every artist, super-critical of their own work, no matter how good it is!). Philip Nagai (Culver City Art Group member and second place winner in the 2008 Holiday Show) turned out to be a great asset to the project.

All the volunteers (whose numbers seemed to increase as the days passed) were terrific. The project could not have been completed without them. This was truly a community effort of artists, students and neighbors. The citizens of Culver City once again showed their true colors as people who get involved when they are asked.

And as the painters worked, cyclists on the bike path shouted out their thanks and encouragement as they rode by. It's nice to know this mural makes a difference and is appreciated.

But the project doesn't end here. Taggers and vandals are still are a problem. It's up to all of us to be vigilant and report any graffiti or damage. You can call 310.253.5776.

Click here for a gallery of photos as the mural looked Wednesday afternoon, nearing completion.