PACOIMA (CNS) - City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez announced today that work is underway on a mural titled ``Rushing Waters'' in Pacoima.
The project in Pacoima's ``Mural Mile'' took about four years of planning and community outreach, Rodriguez said. Work began Monday and is expected to be completed by Nov. 27.
Rodriguez secured over half a million dollars for mural projects in the Seventh Council District, and more than $100,000 was allocated to complete Rushing Waters, which the councilwoman touted as the most significant public art project in the San Fernando Valley since 1978.
At almost 10,000 square feet, it is the largest above-ground mural in the San Fernando Valley and will replace existing graffiti with an artistic history lesson.
The mural at the intersection of San Fernando Road and Paxton Street will depict the landscape of the area and include a 25-foot-tall Native woman at its center. Other depictions will include the Hansen Dam, Whiteman Airport, local freeways, the Sylmar Aqueduct, San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles River.
``Rushing Waters pays tribute to our heritage and captures the spirit of Pacoima,'' Rodriguez said. ``This type of investment in our neighborhood has been long overdue, and I am excited to be part of making `herstory' in our community.''
The lead artist on the project is Levi Ponce, who is working with nine other artists to create the mural with assistance from the Los Angeles Native American Commission, Walt Disney Imagineering designers, local businesses and local community leaders.
``This is a historic endeavor, and my team and I are extremely honored to be trusted with a project that means so much to Pacoima and what it will represent for generations to come,'' Ponce said. ``We hope this project serves as a catalyst for change not only in art but for the people of this beautiful city.''