Community Paints Together at Manhattan Beach Mural Project
May 02, 2022 09:59PM ● By Jeanne Fratello

The mural is this year's project from the Leadership Manhattan Beach Class of 2022, and is designed to align with the group's belief that “Art Makes Community”. The goal, according to the group, is to develop community spirit by promoting inclusion, collaboration, creativity, and mental well-being; while increasing visibility of the MB Art Center.
"Thanks to the teamwork of Leadership Manhattan Beach Class of 2022 and the amazing 150-plus community volunteers, the mural painting event was a huge success," said Cynthia Clarke, a member of this year's Leadership Manhattan Beach class. "There is now a profound welcome at the 11th Street entrance into the Manhattan Beach Art Center and everyone was delighted to see their artistry come to life."
Manhattan Beach community members in attendance included Manhattan Beach Mayor Hildy Stern, Councilmember Suzanne Hadley, and Councilmember Joe Franklin; members of the city's Cultural Arts Commission; Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman; Cultural Arts Manager Eilen Stewart; MBUSD school board members; former mayors David Lesser and Wayne Powell; Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair board members; representatives from L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell's office; and teen volunteers from Amigos Unidos.

Members of the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair Board and Councilmember Suzanne Hadley at the mural painting project. Photo via Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair.
"Neighbors stopped by to see what was going on and stayed to paint, siblings spent time together, and some of our volunteers decided to stay all day - everything that we were hoping for in this unifying community event," said Clarke.

A brief ribbon-cutting was held in front of the Manhattan Beach Art Center. Photo via Leadership Manhattan Beach.
The next step is for artist Josh Barnes to make the finishing touches and apply anti-graffiti coating to ensure the longevity of the mural. These steps should be completed by the end of this week, according to Clarke.
Barnes created the outline for the mural before the community came to paint it. Photo via Leadership Manhattan Beach.
The project was designed to
support the Manhattan Beach Art Center's Revitalization Project, which
identified the need for murals in strategic locations. Furthermore, the
2020 Parks Master Plan identified the need to develop a sense of
community. LMB created the mural project with the aim of fulfilling both of those goals.
Leadership Manhattan Beach Mission
Previous Leadership Manhattan Beach projects have included refurbishing the Manhattan Beach Santa Float, installing bicycle fix-it stations, and equipping Manhattan Beach Police Department vehicles and strategic businesses throughout the community with Automated External Defibrillators.