Murals of La Jolla approaches its 50th mural

Murals of La Jolla has announced the upcoming installation of its 50th mural, a major milestone in its mission to bring world-class public art to the community. Since its inception in 2010, the initiative has transformed La Jolla’s urban landscape with vibrant, thought-provoking murals created by renowned artists from around the world. For 15 years and counting, Murals of La Jolla has celebrated the power of art to inspire, engage, and transform.

The 50th mural, created by acclaimed artist Andrea Zittel, will be unveiled in late April 2025, marking an exciting new addition to La Jolla’s dynamic public art collection. Zittel, known for her conceptually driven, interdisciplinary practice, explores themes of space, structure, and self-sufficiency through her work. Her mural, set to be installed at 7569 Girard Avenue, continues the project’s tradition of fostering creativity and cultural dialogue while adding a distinctive new voice to La Jolla’s artistic landscape.

“Murals of La Jolla has always been about bringing art to the community, and our 50th mural is a testament to the lasting impact of public art,” says Matt Browar, Founding Chair, Art Advisory Committee. “Each piece transforms the landscape, sparking creativity and dialogue.”

“Commissioning 50 murals over 15 years is a remarkable achievement, and I am honored to have been part of this transformative project that has reshaped La Jolla’s cultural landscape,” says Lynda Forsha, founding executive director of Murals of La Jolla. “Collaborating with so many extraordinary artists whose vision and creativity have enriched our community and inspired meaningful dialogue has been a privilege.”

Murals of La Jolla was conceived as a way to enhance the civic character of the community by commissioning public art projects throughout La Jolla. The project takes an innovative approach to public art, expanding the definition of a traditional mural by utilizing private property as a canvas for public art. Unlike conventional murals, Murals of La Jolla employs a unique print-based process, allowing for a broader range of multidisciplinary artists to participate. This method has resulted in a dynamic outdoor exhibition featuring notable local, national, and international artists.

An art advisory committee, composed of the heads of major visual arts organizations in La Jolla, selects artists to create site-specific interventions on public-facing, privately owned buildings, carefully considering the size, location, and visibility of each site. While the first two murals by Roy McMakin and Kim MacConnel were painted directly onto their respective buildings, the majority of subsequent artworks have been printed on vinyl and installed on billboard-like structures. Each work remains on view for a minimum of two years before being rotated out for a new commission.

Currently, there are 16 mural locations on view throughout La Jolla, creating a dynamic, open-air gallery that encourages engagement with contemporary art. Many of these locations have hosted three to four different murals over the course of the project, fostering an evolving artistic dialogue that captivates residents and visitors alike. The initiative, originally launched by the La Jolla Community Foundation, is a project of the Athenaeum.

The unveiling of the 50th mural also marks a transition in leadership. Forsha guided the project through its first 49 murals, helping establish Murals of La Jolla as a premier public art initiative. Now, under the direction of Taylor Chapin, the new executive director, the program enters an exciting new era, continuing its mission to transform public spaces through dynamic contemporary art.

As Murals of La Jolla celebrates this significant milestone, it remains dedicated to its original vision — bringing bold, thought-provoking, and ever-evolving contemporary art to the streets of La Jolla. With each new mural, the project continues to redefine the possibilities of public art, ensuring that La Jolla remains a vibrant and inspiring cultural destination for years to come.

The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, located in the heart of La Jolla in San Diego County, is one of only 17 nonprofit membership libraries in the United States. This rare cultural institution offers a depth and accessibility of resources and programs found nowhere else in the region, including one of the most significant collections of artists’ books in Southern California. The Athenaeum also presents a year-round schedule of art exhibitions, concerts (classical, jazz, acoustic, and new music), lectures, studio art classes through its School of the Arts, tours, and special events.  

For more information, visit ljathenaeum.org and muralsoflajolla.com.