Hey there, friend!
From Blank Wall to Community Icon: behind-the-scenes at my Guidestone Church Hermosa Beach mural
I’ve been keeping you all updated on my latest projects, and today, I’m thrilled to share more about a mural I’ve been pouring my heart into over the past few weeks. This one’s special—it’s not just about art; it’s about community, faith, and a celebration of Hermosa Beach’s vibrant culture.
Guidestone Church, nestled right here in Hermosa Beach, reached out to me with a vision: to transform their stark white exterior into a work of art that speaks to their mission and brings joy to the city. After months of designing, painting, and collaborating this mural, I’m almost at the finish line, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this journey with you.
The Vision Behind the Mural
When I spoke with Brett Armstrong, the pastor at Guidestone Church, I was inspired by his perspective on what this mural means for the church and the community. “We want to add value to Hermosa Beach, to bring light and joy to this community and the people, and share the Victorious Life found in Jesus Christ,” Brett shared.
“Murals are an iconic part of Hermosa’s culture, and art is one expression of God’s creative genius.” Brett Armstrong
This resonated deeply with me. My art has always been about celebrating beauty, optimism, and connection—and this mural allowed me to bring those values to life in a whole new way.
A Collaborative Process
From the beginning, the vision for this mural was clear: a design that captured the essence of Hermosa Beach. Think ocean waves, the surfer statue, the pier, mountains in the distance, and, of course, the iconic lifeguard tower. Brett explained that the tower was the perfect spot to incorporate the church’s identity, making it clear that Guidestone Church is a part of and for this community.
As with any large-scale project, there were challenges—permits, weather, and the occasional delay—but the process was worth it. Brett mentioned how my proposal stood out because it truly reflected the heartbeat of Hermosa life, and that was such an honor to hear.
The Heart of the Mural
One of the most exciting parts of this project has been watching the blank wall transform into a colorful tribute to Hermosa Beach. I’ve been painting for three weeks now, and every stroke of color feels like a celebration of the city I call home.
This mural isn’t just for the church; it’s for the entire community. “The stark white exterior of our building provided a perfect canvas to create a captivating display,” Brett said. “It’s visually appealing for the community and shares the message of our mission—Experience the Victorious Life found in Jesus Christ.”
Community Connection
One of the things I’ve loved most about this project is the way it’s brought people together. From curious passersby stopping to chat to friends jumping in to lend a hand, the mural has become a collaborative effort. Shoutout to Peter King and his daughter Raquel, who spent a few hours helping out—it was such a joy to have them involved!
Wrapping Up
As I put the finishing touches on this mural before the holidays, I’m filled with gratitude—for Guidestone Church, for the opportunity to bring their vision to life, and for this community that continually inspires me.
To everyone who has stopped by, cheered me on, or shared kind words—thank you. This mural is a love letter to Hermosa Beach, and I hope it brings a little extra joy and color to your day every time you pass by.
Stay tuned for the big reveal soon!
Guidestone Church is located at:
730 11th St, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Color Your Life!
Love ,Drica
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