SAN PEDRO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Kicking off the start of summer 2018 at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 21, Friends of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium will unveil two new commissioned murals by artist John Van Hamersveld, whose iconic work celebrates Southern California’s surf and sand culture. The Aquarium, a facility of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, is part of the new state-designated San Pedro Cultural Arts District due to its design by world-famous architect Frank Gehry.
The ocean-themed murals, mounted on aluminum panels, are installed on the back of Aquarium’s marquee sign and also will wrap around its gift shop.
“We get visitors from all over the world who want to see one of Frank Gehry’s early works,” said Caroline Brady, executive director of Friends of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, which raises $1.5 million to support aquarium projects and programs each year.
“We are thrilled to be part of the new cultural arts district and the new mural by John Van Hamersveld will give art lovers even more reason to visit us. John grew up surfing our local beaches and his love of the ocean and its creatures really shines through this work.”
Van Hamersveld is best known for his poster design for the 1966 movie, The Endless Summer, one of the most popular and recognizable poster images of all time. He also designed one of the most famous rock posters —for the 1968 Jimi Hendrix concert at the Shrine Auditorium. He designed more than 300 album covers for the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Blondie, Kiss, and many others, most famously the Stones’ “Exile on Main Street” and the Beatles’ “Magical Mystery Tour.” His 360° mural at the Los Angeles Coliseum for the 1984 Olympic Games won him national recognition by the American Institute of Architects. He remains active with high-profile projects, including a 510-square foot mural erected last month at the Department of Water and Power’s Scattergood power generation plant in El Segundo.
Port of Los Angeles Commissioner David Arian will help unveil the new mural, funded in part by a $15,000 port community grant. To show off the new mural and kick off summer, Friends invites the public to join us for The Endless Summer Starts Here party from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 23. The event will include food trucks, live surf music by the Bonbom Girls, and a no-host bar. Tickets are $10 for members and $25 for non-members and include one free drink. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org.
About Cabrillo Marine Aquarium:
Since 1935, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has been THE place to learn about Southern California Marine life. More than 300,000 visitors come each year for a hands-on experience that includes a rocky shore, a salt marsh, a sandy beach, an Aquatic nursery, exploration center and classroom in addition to an exhibit hall filled with more than 160 different species of Southern California marine life. Thanks to the philanthropic support of Friends of CMA, the Aquarium charges no general admission fee and provides a wide variety of programs at little to no cost. Therefore, the educational opportunities at the Aquarium remain accessible to all who wish to learn. The Aquarium is located at 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro, California, 90731.
