Artists invited to submit ideas for Old Town Commerce mural

Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project President S. Elaine Lyttleton has issued an artists’ call for the Ramona Old Town Commerce Mural planned for the west-facing outside wall of La Cocina Restaurant at Seventh and Main streets.

Sponsored by Ramona Chamber of Commerce, the bid for the commerce mural is open to all artists considered qualified. While preference will be given to San Diego area muralists, all interested artists are encouraged to apply, said Lyttleton.

All artists must have demonstrated professional outdoor mural art. All submissions must be of original completed artwork. The budget of $6,000 to $7,500 includes costs of materials and labor, but does not cover travel, transportation, insurance, engineering, and/or conservation consultations. Artists are encouraged to visit ramonamurals.com before submitting their application and, if selected, must be prepared to present thumbnails to the mural board.

The project description is to create an outdoor mural that will convey the concept of early commerce in Ramona and follow the Ramona H.E.A.R.T Mural Project mission representing history and culture to encourage economic stimulus and small town revitalization.

The mural will be painted in a full color muted palette and will promote and celebrate aspects of Ramona’s rich western history, which can include agriculture, mercantile trade, horses and wagons, cars, and people. La Cocina Restaurant is at 681 Seventh St.

The cinder block wall at is 37 feet wide by 21 feet tall. The stucco wall at front is 25 feet wide by 18 feet tall, with a brick base 3 feet tall. The mural size negotiable, reflecting the 1900-30 era of the Old Town commerce district of Ramona.

Artists interested in being considered should hand deliver submissions to Town & Country Real Estate & Home Loans at 976 Main St. in Ramona or mail submissions to: Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project, P. O. Box 1661, Ramona, CA 92065. Deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Oct. 31.

For more information, call Judy Nachazel, board member and artists’ liaison at 760-807-2550 or Lyttleton at 760-214-2595. For more information on Ramona and its history, see ramonachamber.com, Woodwardmuseum.org, and ramonatownhall.com.