Volunteers come out to paint mural at new Pacific Beach Arts Center

PACIFIC BEACH – Never underestimate the amount of work you can get done with just a few dozen dedicated people.

A mural painting event was held by beautifulPB at the new Pacific Beach Arts Center outside the YMCA building at 4606 Ingraham St. on Saturday, Nov. 22, which was accomplished with the help of about 60 volunteers.

It was the first community mural project at the old YMCA site, which is being repurposed as a new community hub and arts center.

The effort, sandwiched in between rainstorms, was organized, designed, and led by PB native and professional artist Hilary Dufour.

Dufour described the effort as “an opportunity to bring creativity and community together, transform a shipping container into a work of art, and raise awareness for the PB Arts Center.”

Chris Olson, another longtime beautifulPB member, noted the mural painting was a three-step process. He said it involved a Sunday afternoon preparation of the container with sanding and primer paint. Dufour and friends projected the image on the container walls and outlined the image with a marker before the community “paint by numbers” day.

Added Olson: “It was an amazing scene with all ages and all skill levels painting around the container. There were shifts of about 15-20 people painting.”

“Currently, we are holding events and activating the parking lot area while we continue with our capital fundraising campaign. The funds will be used for ‘refreshing and re-imagining’ the building and establishing a solid basis for operations. 

“We are so thankful for the large founding donation from the PB Woman’s Club and the unbelievable volunteers and community enthusiasm. The PB Arts Center will be a community asset for all for many years to come. We appreciate all the community support,” Olson said.

Also participating in the mural-painting event were different local businesses, including Coffee Cycle Roasting, Linda’s Donut Shop, Sandbox Pizza, Mr. Frostie’s, Mission Bagels, and the Local H2O Store.

District 1 Councilmember and City Council President Joe LaCava, who represents PB, also stopped by to show his support and picked up a paintbrush.

A grant was provided by SDG&E on behalf of Dufour’s efforts, who is an employee of the company.