New Wildcoast mural in Pacific Beach highlights marine wildlife

PACIFIC BEACH – Another mural has been added to Pacific Beach’s growing list of community-based art thanks to the combined efforts of beautifulPB and Wildcoast environmentalists.

Wildcoast recently unveiled a huge mural near Crystal Pier on the wall of Ananas at 714 Garnet Ave., celebrating coastal conservation and the group’s 25th anniversary. The mural, by renowned artist Jon Hamrick and his team, highlights marine wildlife, the “true locals” of the San Diego coast, emphasizing community connection to the ocean.

“Through this work, I hope to inspire a sense of connection and stewardship, aligning with Wildcoast’s mission and my own goal of promoting public art initiatives and fostering opportunities for emerging artists,” Hamrick said.

Hamrick is a muralist and fine artist whose work is described as blending realism, emotion, and a deep respect for place. Emerging from the San Diego art scene, Hamrick built his reputation through large-scale public murals that transform the walls of communities.

“As I conceptualized the ocean-themed mural for Wildcoast’s 25th anniversary, I knew I had found the perfect opportunity to merge my passion for art and Wildcoast’s mission for marine conservation,” said Hamrick of his latest mural.

“The wall I sought out in the heart of Pacific Beach proved to be an ideal fit for this iconic landmark mural. Situated half a block from the beach and neighboring the iconic Crystal Pier, the space was primed to showcase a vibrant celebration of marine life.”

Annelise Tappe, Wildcoast’s senior development and events coordinator, said that the organization’s Protect the Locals program mural in PB celebrates their 25th anniversary and San Diego’s marine wildlife. “From blue, gray, and humpback whales and sea turtles to leopard sharks and dolphins, our coast is a vital migratory highway for countless species that depend on a healthy ocean,” she said.

Tappe said Wildcoast’s Protect the Locals campaign “is about safeguarding this vulnerable wildlife and their habitat, and with emerging threats like offshore drilling right off our coast, it’s more important than ever to raise awareness and inspire action to protect the coast we all share. The mural brings this message into the heart of the San Diego community while celebrating Wildcoast’s quarter-century of conservation impact.”

Wildcoast is an international team helping to conserve over 38 million acres of iconic coastlines, ocean habitat, sea turtle nesting beaches, gray whale breeding lagoons, wild lands, wetlands, mangrove forests, islands, and coral reefs. By establishing and managing protected areas, restoring blue carbon ecosystems, partnering with communities, governments, and the private sector, Wildcoast works to safeguard some of the most ecologically important habitats in the world, addressing climate change through natural solutions.