Long before the advent of online social networking, people were connecting through community art and, in the process, giving neighborhoods a sense of history and identity. In Ocean Beach, community murals located on buildings around the neighborhood capture the essence of the seaside town. Defining and engaging, mural themes range from surfing to cars and flag-waiving Americana. On June 23, visitors to the 33rd annual OB Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off Festival will have the opportunity to bring two new community murals to life. The first mural is a surfboard theme. The second mural will commemorate Ocean Beach’s 125th anniversary. Both murals offer good old-fashioned tactile face-to-face social networking with a purpose. To participate, purchase a pre-illustrated tile for $10, dip brushes into paint and follow the instructions on the palette. “The community mural has to be one of my favorite activities of the day,” said Barbara Iacometti, Street Fair chairwoman and president of the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association. “It’s not only a lot of fun for people who participate, but it is a significant part of Ocean Beach’s beautification. People love coming down and seeing all the art we have displayed across town.” Ocean Beach artist and community activist Rich James started the art project in 1999. When he died in 2008, his friend and mentor Janis Ambrosiani took over the mural project. Locations for this year’s completed murals will be announced after the street fair. In the meantime, enjoy the murals of Ocean Beach at these outdoor locations: • Surf ’n’ Sea Custom Wetsuits, parking lot, 1874 Bacon St. • Bravo’s Mexican Bistro & Cantina, parking lot, 5001 Newport Ave. • Claytime Ceramics, side alley, 1863 Bacon St. • San Diego Police Department trailer, pier parking lot, 5099 Newport Ave. • James Gang Building, 1931 Bacon St. • OB Suds Car Wash, 5002 Voltaire St. • OB Surf & Skate, 4976 Newport Ave. • Newport Avenue Antique Center, parking lot, 4864 Newport Ave. • Union Bank of California, 1858 Cable St. • US Bank, side wall, 4827 Newport Ave.
