Unlike paintings that hang in frames on walls and are treated with care as precious artworks, murals painted on walls outdoors or even inside public spaces often deteriorate because of weather or graffit or are “painted over” or abused because buildings change hands and walls take on new uses.  Since I began to look for these lost murals I have discovered how much meaning some of these public artworks have for their community members.  I’ve learned of an Our Lady of Guadalupe mural painted overnight that became a gathering point for reverent people, no longer there…of the sadness with which people see the deterioration of the Poet and Patriot mural and the wonderful painting on the grocery store at Laurel and Mission…and Marta Gaines works in Watsonville. 

Please share your own memories (and photos?) of Santa Cruz County murals by commenting on this post or by contacting me at exhibitionist.kusp@gmail.com.

Thank you!  This research is funded in part by a James Doulkos Award from the History Forum of the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History. 

The Exhibitionist is funded in part by the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County.