“The Nile River” panel from the Rivers of the World mural
BCR has created and maintained two murals on the walls adjoining the creek bikepath to commemorate the creek itself and major rivers of the world
The first mural, Postcards from Ballona
(below), was created in 1997 by three professional artists (BCR Boardmembers Lori Escalera, Lucy Blake Elahi and Francois Bardol) guiding students from Culver City Middle School. Volunteers from the public also contributed substantial work to the painting. The mural, which has been restored to remedy the effects of time, weather, and passersby, pays tribute to the creek, its wildlife, environment, and historic events. 72 feet long and 5 feet high, it is located along the bikepath access ramp on the west side of Overland Avenue in Culver City. A grant from the City of Culver City provided the financial resources for the wall preparation, materials and work.
“Postcards from Ballona” Mural
The second mural, Rivers of the World
(top photo), is done in styles and images appropriate to the culture of the rivers and nations through which they flow: the Amazon, Ganges, Yangtze, Nile (photo at top of page), Mississippi, Merced and Los Angeles Rivers. It is 234 feet long and seven feet high along the walls of the bikepath access ramp on the west side of Duquesne Avenue in Culver City. Some portions of the mural reside on sloping walls, which made painting very awkward, so these portions were created with painted tiles affixed to the walls. The work was designed and executed by professional artists Lori Escalera, Lucy Blake-Elahi (both BCR Boardmembers) and David Fairrington, and Tile setter Paul Reich, supervising students from Culver Park High School and many community volunteers. It was originally created in 1998-2000 with funds from a Los Angeles County anti-graffiti grant that allowed for students to be paid and receive vocational classroom training. It was renovated in 2015 by professional artists and many community volunteers. Funds for renovation were provided by the City of Culver City and BCR. Were you one of the volunteer painters? Look for yourself in one of the mural restoration photos on this page.
