The city of Santa Maria invites the community to celebrate the unveiling of a new public art mural at the Santa Maria Transit Center, 10 a.m. Thursday, July 30 at 400 Boone St.

The project is a partnership between the Santa Maria Public Works Department Transit Division and the Recreation and Parks Department, bringing together public transportation and public art to commemorate 50 years of public transit service in Santa Maria.

Designed by local artists Loyal and Joan Newville, the mural, called “The Spirit of Santa Maria: A Journey Through Time,” celebrates the community’s transportation history and natural beauty, the city said.

The artwork depicts Santa Maria’s evolution through stagecoaches, railroads, aviation, and today’s SMRT transit system, illustrating how transportation has connected people, places and opportunities throughout the community.

The mural was commissioned through the Recreation and Parks Department’s public art program and reflects the city’s vision of celebrating Santa Maria’s cultural heritage while enhancing one of its most visible public spaces, the city said.
 
“This mural represents much more than a work of art,” said Dennis Smitherman, Recreation Services manager. “It celebrates the people, history, and progress of Santa Maria while recognizing the important role public transit has played in connecting our community for the past 50 years.

“We’re proud to partner with our Transit Division to create a lasting landmark that residents and visitors can enjoy for years to come.”