Nestled in the heart of downtown Long Beach, California, is the home of a treasure that continues to captivate the city’s spirit and artistic flair, decade after decade -- the "Recreation" mural. This piece of public art is not just a feast for the eyes, but a celebration of community, creativity, and culture of Long Beach.
The Creative Vision Behind the Mural
The “Recreation” mural, also known as “Typical Activities of a Beach and Harbor City” is located at 185 East 3rd Street Long Beach. Known for being one of the largest ceramic tiled walls across the United States, standing at about 38 ft tall, and 22 ft wide. This massive piece of art has several artists, painters, and construction workers to thank for its existence.
Spanning an impressive wall at Harvey Milk Promenade Park, it portrays a lively scene that encapsulates the essence of leisure and play. The mural features a harmonious blend of abstract patterns and a dynamic composition. From joyful figures engaged in playing games, fishing, or enjoying the beach. The bold colors and intricate tiles invites viewers to delve into the mural’s narrative -- discovering new details with every glance.
Piece by Little Peace
The creation of the “Recreation” Mural was a collaborative effort between local artists and the community. The original painting by Henry Nord stood as the face of the old Municipal Auditorium. During the Great Depression, the Works Progress Administration, or W.P.A. employed several artists to rebuild it as a ceramic mosaic.
The building where the mural stood was preparing to be demolished, but long-time residents and the Long Beach Municipal Arts Commission (known today as the Arts Council of Long Beach) fought to keep the mural. Through their efforts to preserve this gem of rich historic culture, the mural was saved and rebuilt at Harvey Park.
Visiting the Mural
For those planning a visit to Long Beach, the “Recreation” Mural is a must-see. Its central location makes it easily accessible, and its striking visuals provide an excellent photo opportunity. The mural is best appreciated by taking a moment to absorb its details and reflect on the stories it tells about the city’s recreational life.
As you stand before this work of art, take a moment to consider the creativity and community spirit that brought it here today.
Bringing Art to Life: How Projection Mapping Will Transform Long Beach’s Downtown
Imagine walking through downtown Long Beach and stumbling upon a mural that not only tells a story but also dances and sparkles with the magic of projection mapping. That’s exactly what we’re planning! Loiter Galleries is partnering with Go2Prodcutions and working on various projects to bring the Recreation Mural the attention it deserves. Our bold vision is to "animate and illuminate" the mural and its vibrant characters, creating a mesmerizing display that will captivate both locals and visitors. We hope that this innovative approach promises to turn the mural into Long Beach’s second most popular attraction and breathe new life into the downtown area. Here's an example our partner's, Go2Productions Projection mapping.
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