A new 10-panel mural focused on Carpinteria’s history could be installed at the city’s Seal Fountain Plaza on Linden Avenue.

The Carpinteria City Council on Monday directed staff to consider the mural proposal from the Carpinteria Cultural Foundation for review under the city’s new public artwork policy.

The 2½-foot-by-4-foot mural panels were designed by artist Rick Sharp. According to city staff, the murals would depict, in chronological order, “the people who made (Carpinteria) their home.”

The panels would be mounted to the bars above the plaza’s wall to avoid damaging what is currently there, according to Jim Campos, the project’s lead historian.

Foundation board members — Campos, Rich Medel, Jesus Gonzales, Mike Damron and Adriana Gonzalez-Smith — raised money and coordinated the project, with the help of a handful of historical advisers, educators, artists, tribal representatives and other community members.

Campos said the board has worked for two years on this project, which “tells the story of Carpinteria through the many cultures, people and events that have shaped our valley.”

He also showed the council a nine-minute video that depicted the vision behind the project. 

“The project is more than a historical monument. It’s a community investment,” he said.

Supporters of the project also spoke, including Tom Bliss, who called the mural a “home run” project, and Kristina Calkins, executive director of the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center.

“This is the first time I’ve ever spoken in front of the City Council, even though I was born and raised here, and I think that you should take that as a clear indication of how firmly I believe in and support the Carpinteria Cultural Foundation and all that it does for our community,” Bliss said. 

“… Organizations like the CCF are a big part of what makes Carpinteria a unique and wonderful town. It is a truly grassroots organization made up of longtime community-minded Carpinterians.”

Calkins said the murals were on display at the art center’s community gallery for about a month earlier this year.

“Over that month period, I did not hear any negative comments, and neither did my staff,” Calkins said. 

 She said the art center’s board also voted to support the project.

“I look forward to having it possibly across the street from the arts center, which would be a great place, not only for the schools … but also for the youth that comes to the arts center,” she added. 

Commenter Wendy Yanagihara, a former foundation board member who resigned after serving for six months in 2024, questioned how thoroughly the board had conducted community outreach for the mural.

Council members said allowing the project to move forward would allow the public to offer additional input, and they supported moving it forward for public review.

Councilman Wade Nomura said he believes the project will help revitalize the Seal Fountain Plaza and called it a “win-win.” 

The project marks the foundation’s second mural project. The first, at Aliso Elementary School, went up in 2023.