Artist To Begin Work On Mural Celebrating 'Spirit' Of Laguna Beach

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — A new mural celebrating the spirit of Laguna Beach will begin to take shape come late August, thanks to a recently-established real estate group that's opened their doors in the city.

J.J. and Andrea Ballesteros — of the Ballesteros Group with Coldwell Banker Realty — moved their business into their new office at 344 3rd Street in downtown Laguna Beach just this past February.

They told Patch they were thrilled with the location overall, but one flaw stood out: a large, blank wall in their carport that "felt like a missed opportunity."

The couple took it upon themselves to commission a mural on the blank wall, and Laguna College of Art and Design student Taryn Chong's design was selected with unanimous approval from the city's Planning Commission.

Taryn's mural was chosen for its timeless depiction of the Laguna Beach Lifeguard Tower with the Pacific in the distance, as the Ballesteros said they wanted a design that celebrated the spirit of Laguna Beach.

"We're thrilled to have a talented local artist bring this wall to life and add even more color for residents and visitors walking by 3rd Street," J.J told Patch. "Once it's finished, we hope everyone will stop by, take a photo, and enjoy a little extra Laguna spirit."

Taryn's design made its way to the Ballesteros Group with the help of LCAD faculty members Joseph Todorovitch and James Thistlethwaite, who opened up the opportunity the their mural students.

Taryn told Patch that it was an "honor" to contribute to public art in Laguna Beach.

"In a world where art is a commodity, I admire how street artists gift connection and joy to our cities through public art," she said. "For this reason, I am grateful to LCAD and the Ballesteros group for the opportunity to paint my first mural."