By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor
Restoration and revitalization efforts of a Temescal Canyon Road mural that dates back more than four decades are underway, spearheaded by one of the original artists, Kat Kozik, along with 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 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.
Kozik shared that painting the mural was her first expression of public service and “one of the most meaningful chapters” of her life.
“I had such love and appreciation for this beautiful wild landscape of the Palisades, and I was so intrigued by how the natural world pushed up against the modern, urban world,” she said to the Palisadian-Post. “It felt like the mural wanted to express itself through me and my fellow artists when we created it.”
The restoration efforts—launched in late September—call for the mural to be revitalized.
“The mural belongs to us all,” read a statement about the project. “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 Post the project’s mission is to professionally restore the Temescal Canyon mural, and “elevate its use as a teaching and creative space.” The team will work with MuralColors, a minority- and women-owned business of professional artists who work closely with artists and communities to restore and preserve murals in California, according to the website.
The project bid is $105,000. As the Post went to print Tuesday evening, October 8, more than $71,000 had been collected.
“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,” Salser explained.
Area nonprofit A Window Between Worlds will serve as the fiscal recipient of funds, so donations can be tax deductible.
“I am deeply touched that there is such interest in the Palisades in restoring and revitalizing the mural, and to be reconnecting with the community,” Kozik added. “It’s been such a pleasure to work with Cindy Simon … who got this project rolling, and fellow original artist, Cathy Salser, who has dedicated herself to healing trauma through art.
“I feel such warmth and generosity from the individuals and groups I’ve connected with around this project.”
For more information, email tcmp.pali@gmail.com. To donate, visit awbw.org/temescal.
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