Navigating Cultural Canvases: East Los Streetscapers’ “Our Pico Neighborhood”

our pico neighborhood east los streetscapers
our pico neighborhood east los streetscapers

Title: Our Pico Neighborhood

Creator: East Los Streetscapers

Date Created: 2005

Location Created: 2115 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405


Unveiling the Muralscape: East Los Streetscapers

A Fusion of Creativity: David Botello & Wayne Healy

“Our Pico Neighborhood,” an artistic masterpiece, is the brainchild of the dynamic artistic duo, David Botello and Wayne Healy, collectively known as East Los Streetscapers. Renowned for their impactful murals, Botello and Healy have left an indelible mark on the streets of Los Angeles, merging art with community engagement.

A Canvas of Community Narratives

Commissioned by the City of Santa Monica through the Percent for Art Program, “Our Pico Neighborhood” transcends conventional mural expectations. The mural becomes a dynamic canvas, weaving together the diverse narratives of the Pico neighborhood, capturing the essence of its cultural tapestry.

The Patience of Creation

As narrated by Wayne Healy, the creation of the Santa Monica mural demanded immense patience. Spanning nine years from the competition win in 1996 to its completion in 2005, the project encountered numerous changes in concept and site, mirroring the evolving dynamics of the neighborhood. Community engagement played a pivotal role, with efforts to resonate and remain relevant to the ever-changing landscape.

Navigating the Resonance Challenge

The neighborhood’s councils and city council personnel transitions presented a challenge in achieving resonance. What gained approval from one group faced rejection from the next. The solution? Inclusivity. East Los Streetscapers requested photo references from the community, seamlessly integrating them into the mural’s composition. The result was a harmonious blend that resonated with the diverse perspectives within the community.

Capturing Community Essence in Color

“Our Pico Neighborhood” stands not just as a mural but as a testament to the power of community collaboration and the ability of art to capture the essence of a neighborhood. The vibrant hues, skillful strokes, and intricate details reflect the dedication of East Los Streetscapers to creating a mural that transcends time and speaks to the heart of Pico’s community.


Note: “Our Pico Neighborhood” by East Los Streetscapers is more than a mural; it’s a living narrative woven by David Botello and Wayne Healy. This exploration delves into the patience, challenges, and vibrant community engagement that shaped this iconic piece of public art.

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