Donation Drive to Restore Temescal Canyon Mural Underway

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Restoration and revitalization efforts of a Temescal Canyon mural are underway, spearheaded by one of the original artists, Kat Kozik, alongside Palisadians Cathy Salser and Cindy Simon.

Over 40 years ago, a group of Palisades Charter High School students embarked on the creation of the nearly 500-foot public mural, with inspiration drawn from public art and the history of Pacific Palisades. The mural was painted between 1983 and 1990, entirely funded by local donations.

“Painted by students, [the mural] is a love letter about the Pacific Palisades, inviting the viewer to stroll its wild landscape, witness its first peoples and contrast how they inhabited the land with how modern society does,” according to project details. “The mural belongs to us all. While it has been patched-up before, it now needs serious attention to address its chipped paint and peeling clear coat so the art will shine for future generations.”

Salser told the Palisadian-Post the project’s mission is to professionally restore the Temescal Canyon mural and “elevate its use as a teaching and creative space.”

The project bid is $105,000. As this story published, nearly $60,000 of the project’s goal had been collected. Area nonprofit, A Window Between Worlds, will serve as the fiscal recipient of funds, so donations can be tax deductible.

The project’s first deadline is approaching on Tuesday, October 8, Salser said, which is the deadline to sign the contract needed to begin the project.

“Any and all donations received … make a tremendous difference in us knowing if we are ready to begin,” Salser said. “Donations of all sizes matter and all donor names will be recognized on the wall, as has been the tradition since the beginning—except, of course, where folks wish to remain anonymous.”

She said though not all funds are needed by the October 8 deadline, without enough community support, the project may be delayed.

“We invite you to pitch in once again to help restore this enduring gift,” according to the donation page.

For more information, email tcmp.pali@gmail.com. To make a donation, visit awbwart.donorsupport.co/page/FUNMMUFXKLL.