A Journey Through the Murals of La Jolla
Traveling is often a way to escape the routine and immerse oneself in new experiences. In Southern California, one unique way to explore is by taking a walking tour of the Murals of La Jolla. This public art project has been transforming the downtown commercial area for 15 years, offering visitors a vibrant and eclectic array of artworks that blend seamlessly with the environment.
The Murals of La Jolla project, under the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library, features 16 murals displayed on various buildings throughout the area. These include banks, corner stores, apartment blocks, and coastal structures where the murals merge with the natural surroundings of the Pacific Ocean and the horizon beyond.
One notable piece is John Baldessari’s mural of a brain-shaped cloud floating above a palm tree in a pale sky over the ocean. The artwork perfectly integrates with the real-life setting, creating an illusion that blurs the line between art and nature. Another standout is Chitra Ganesh’s mural, which features a modern mermaid wearing an elephant trunklike snorkel mask, accompanied by a bird, a coyote, and a UFO and butterfly in the sky. The vibrancy and creativity of this piece make it a captivating stop along the tour.
Gail Werner’s three-panel naturescape mural showcases three big birds against a pale background, standing out against the gray, silver, white, and black vehicles below. June Edmonds’ mural, with its bold and curving stripes, adds a dynamic element to a corner building tower. Meanwhile, William Wegman’s whimsical Weimaraner dog tearing through a canary yellow wall brings a playful touch to the urban landscape.
The goal of the Murals of La Jolla project is to evolve with the changing art scene, according to Taylor Chapin, the executive director. She explains that the project has maintained several sites since its inception, with three or four murals at each location every few years. Each mural is funded through different Athenaeum membership levels and wall sponsorships, allowing for a rotating selection of artworks.
Initially, murals were painted directly onto walls, but today, vinyl billboard technology is used to make installations easier and more efficient. Over the past 15 years, the Athenaeum art advisory committee has commissioned 50 murals from local, national, and international artists. While most are temporary, some have remained longer than others. For example, Baldessari’s brain cloud mural has been on display since 2011 due to its widespread popularity.
Currently, three murals are painted onsite, while 13 use the vinyl billboard technology, allowing for a diverse range of artistic techniques. Each mural is a new work created specifically for the site, with property owners trusting the project to enhance their buildings and bring life and color to the space. This collaboration helps visitors and locals experience La Jolla’s commercial district through a contemporary art lens.
Chapin mentions that she appreciates all the murals for different reasons, whether due to personal connections with the artists or admiration for their creative styles. Her favorite pieces include Baldessari’s “brain cloud” and Terry Allen’s playful giant hands over a brick wall’s keyboard. As she explores the murals, she finds new favorites around each corner, pausing to reflect on the artworks, shop at local boutiques, and enjoy a margarita with a view of the ocean.
When You Go
To plan your visit, download a map of the murals from ljathenaeum.org, which includes information about each work and artist. Alternatively, register for a free guided walking tour, offered on the fourth Wednesday of every month from March through October and on the second and fourth Wednesdays in June, July, and August.
This thought-provoking mural blending into the Pacific Ocean horizon, by artist John Baldessari, is one of many on display as part of the Murals of La Jolla public art project, now in its 15th year. Photo courtesy of Murals of La Jolla.
This playful mural by artist Terry Allen is one of many on display as part of the Murals of La Jolla public art project, now in its 15th year. Photo courtesy of Murals of La Jolla.
This mural by Weimaraner artist William Wegman, titled “Opening,” is part of Southern California’s Murals of La Jolla project.” Photo courtesy of Murals of La Jolla.
