Isla Vista, the college town that borders UC Santa Barbara, just got a bit more colorful.

The student-run Gaucho Think Tank and several community organizations gathered more than 50 volunteers at the intersection of Pardall and Camino Pescadero roads on Sunday to paint a vibrant mural.

The mural — inspired by the Channel Islands’ marine environment, Isla Vista’s walking and biking culture, and social awareness surrounding domestic violence and poverty — was designed by John Khus. Khus is an indigenous Chumash artist from the Northern Chumash Bear Clan based in Santa Barbara.

Passersby, intrigued by the project, joined the volunteers. All were given free food and detailed instructions.

The painting intends to bring awareness and beautification to the Isla Vista community, according to project organizers. 

Gaucho Think Tank is a UCSB-based interdisciplinary group that researches civic issues and collaborates with communities and local governments on innovative solutions.

Sanjit Masanam, president and founder of the Gaucho Think Tank, said Khus was chosen for his talent and connection to Isla Vista.

“John stood out for two key reasons: his extensive professional experience with large-scale murals and his deep, personal ties to the Isla Vista region through both his ancestry and ongoing community involvement,” Masanam said.

The first design features several seals with a sunset at the very top in recognition of the Channel Islands’ aquatic biosphere; the second showcases a purple ribbon with two silhouettes hugging each other, representing domestic violence awareness. 

The third features several individuals riding their bikes while others walk, tackling biking and walking culture in Isla Vista. The last design depicts a hand dropping coins above an individual who looks unhappy, representing poverty.

“We were committed to ensuring the project created space for honest expression, including both appreciation for Chumash traditions and critical reflection on how those traditions have been affected by development and displacement in this region,” Masanam said. 

For Khus, who grew up in Isla Vista, the real-life surrounding experiences were the motor and inspiration for the four designs. 

“I grew up impoverished, impacted by domestic violence, painfully aware of the imperiled delicate balance in our islands’ aquatic biospheres, and most assuredly feeling blessed to walk and bicycle on a land as beautiful as Isla Vista as a child,” Khus said.

He emphasized that his artwork is “inherently Chumash” because of who he is as a person. 

“We don’t ask Italian artists to paint only like the Renaissance powerhouses, and we don’t ask a Japanese artist to only use ink kanji to express themselves,” Khus said. 

The project was funded by a $5,000 grant from the Valuing Open and Inclusive Conversation and Engagement organization and $7,000 from the Isla Vista Community Relations Committee.

“We are deeply grateful to both VOICE and IVCRC for their generous support in helping bring the project to life,” Masanam said.

Jaydon Schuler, a UCSB student volunteer and Gaucho Think Tank member, said he hopes the artwork continues to resonate with the Isla Vista community for years to come.

“I hope people see not only the UCSB community but the broader Isla Vista community reflected in the project and feel a stronger sense of connection through the artwork,” Schuler said. 

The Isla Vista Community Services District’s public works and sustainability director, Jenna Norton, said the district views public art as an important part of its sustainability and public works initiatives.

The governing body aims not only to remove blight from Isla Vista, but to create spaces that feel vibrant and welcoming to residents.

“Adding beautiful things, rather than just taking away the ugliest, is also a big goal of ours,” Norton said. 

The project started Sunday around 9:30 a.m. and wrapped around 5 p.m.

County leaders, artists and other members of the public also celebrated with a ribbon-cutting on Tuesday.

Santa Barbara County Second District Supervisor Laura Capps said the project is “such a great example of students, artists, local government and community partners working together to make Isla Vista more vibrant, safer and more connected.”

“I’m especially grateful to the students whose vision and leadership helped bring this mural to life,” she said.

Gaucho Think Tank representatives on Instagram called the Sunday installation a “stunning success” and thanked everyone who helped.

“Thank you to IVCSD, Santa Barbara County Public Works, John Khus and, most importantly, all the volunteers for making this happen!” they posted online. “It looks amazing!”