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Walk Reseda Blvd and identify candidate walls
Walk Reseda Blvd and identify candidate walls
Walk Reseda Blvd, Sherman Way, and surrounding streets. Look for large, visible walls on commercial or multi-family buildings in good condition. Take photos.
Use the LA County Assessor website (assessor.lacounty.gov) to look up ownership for the best wall options.
Visit in person with a printed proposal. Include Carlos's story, a sketch/concept, and explain how the mural benefits their property. Offer to handle all permitting.
Property owner must sign the OAM application and agree to the 2-year covenant. Have a simple written agreement ready.
Get the Original Art Mural Application from culture.lacity.gov/murals. Review all requirements before filling out.
Create a visual rendering of the proposed mural design to include with the application and neighborhood notice.
Send certified mail to Council District 3 (19040 Vanowen St, Reseda, CA 91335) and Reseda Neighborhood Council (7449 Reseda Blvd #118). Must be at least 14 days before the open meeting.
Post a visible notice at the proposed wall location, readable from the street. Must be up at least 14 days before the open meeting.
Schedule and host a public meeting near the proposed mural site during evening or weekend hours. Present the project and take community feedback.
After the community meeting, submit the completed application with $60 fee, property owner signature, Certificate of Mailing, and mural rendering to DCA Public Art Division.
Application cannot be processed until 45 days after the Certificate of Mailing date. Follow up with DCA at (213) 202-5544 if needed.
Collect photos, graffiti pieces, and any artwork by Carlos (50BL / Los) to inform the mural design.
Identify and recruit the primary artist(s) who will lead the mural design and painting. Ideally someone who knew Carlos and his style.
Work with the lead artist to create the final design. Consider leaving space for other artists to add tributes or signatures.
Visit the wall with the design team. Measure dimensions, plan sections, and determine how to transfer the design (projector, grid method, etc.).
Spread the GoFundMe link (gofund.me/5534f116e) through social media, local groups, and the graffiti community.
Contact the Reseda Neighborhood Council about their NPG program. Community murals are eligible for funding.
Check laocb.org for the annual competitive matching grant program. Murals are eligible projects.
Estimate costs for paint (spray cans + latex), primer, brushes/rollers, scaffolding/ladders, drop cloths, respirators, food/water for paint day.
Buy spray paint in the colors needed for the mural design. Get a variety of caps for different line widths.
Prime the wall before painting. Use a quality exterior primer and base coat in the background color.
Depending on wall height, arrange for ladders or scaffolding rental. Ensure safety equipment is available.
Rollers, brushes, painter's tape, drop cloths, tarps, buckets, cleaning supplies, trash bags.
Respirators, gloves, safety glasses. Ensure all painters have proper protection.
If using projection method, secure a projector and extension cords. Test it at the wall location at night.
Reach out to [email protected]. They organize the Reseda Rising Mural Festival and may offer support, connections, or guidance.
The Social & Public Art Resource Center (sparcinla.org) offers technical assistance for community murals.
Create posts for Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms. Tag local Reseda groups and graffiti communities. Share this website.
Contact the graffiti writers and artists who knew Carlos. Invite them to participate in the mural or the paint day.
Coordinate with the lead artist and volunteers to pick a date. Weekends work best. Have a rain backup plan.
Arrange food, water, and refreshments for all the painters and volunteers. Consider local restaurant donations.
Bring speakers and create a playlist. Play music Carlos loved.
Assign someone to photograph and video the entire process. This is history being made.
Once the mural is finished and dry, apply a UV-resistant clear coat to protect it from weather and fading.