Calling All South County Muralists For Dana Point Project

LAGUNA BEACH, CA —The City of Dana Point Arts & Culture Commission calls for artists from the surrounding area to submit a mural design for its Doheny Village Mural Project. The 16-by-80 foot, large-scale painting or mural will be located on the building where the U.S. Post Office is located, at the northwest corner of Doheny Park Road and Las Vegas Avenue.

According to the city, "the project must display imagery that expresses the theme of Doheny Village’s vibe and vibrancy—past to future. The artist or artist teams will be expected to work with the City of Dana Point and the building owner."

The submission deadline is July 29, 2021. By 5 p.m, read the full requirements here.

Submissions must include a rendering and a brief narrative detailing the concept, contact information, and related work samples. Don't forget to keep the design proportional to the 16x80 foot final dimensions.

The winning artist(s) will sign the piece and be included in all publicity related to the Doheny Village project.

The judging panel consists of the building owner, 2 arts & culture commissioners, and the city manager's office.

All entrants are expected to research the Doheny Village Project, which is quite complex! That link redirects to a video that will get artists started on understanding the area's history and character and detailing who has been involved in its evolution.

The triangular area in the heart of Capistrano Beach has had an eclectic mix of industrial, commercial and residential structures for a very long time. About 30 years ago, zoning laws were passed that made many properties illegal, yet they continued to exist. One mandate of the new plan for Doheny Village is to make all those established homes and businesses legal through rezoning.

Another goal is to connect pedestrians and bicyclists from the rather isolated area directly to Doheny State Beach.

Another guiding principle is to preserve the neighborhood's character. The beautification aspect of the project is not waiting on environmental and zoning studies but charging right ahead with this mural proposition.

Hopefully, that background info will help jump-start the brainstorming process for applicants.

The judging criteria include artistic merit, originality, appropriateness to the building site, how well the narrative concept is executed in the visual design, and the proven track record of muralists.

The goal is to have the winning design installed by Halloween 2021.

Good luck!

Story by Lisa Black, Patch Staff