It seems like an overwhelming task.
An artist with a tiny little brush is painting the side of a Camarillo building that’s bigger than a billboard. Lisa Kelley is creating a mural on the side of the Pleasant Valley Historical Society Museum that’s art, and a history lesson all wrapped up in one.
The Ventura artist is getting close to putting the finishing touches on the massive 14 foot high, 38 foot long project. It features elements which include a farm, some businesses as they appeared nearly a century ago, and a steam engine.
Even though the work isn’t done yet, people are already giving it high marks. Barbara Wagner is corresponding secretary for the Pleasant Valley Historical Society and Museum. She says the hope is the giant mural, which is visible from Las Posas Road, will help attract more visitors to the museum, and its garden.
The Historical Society commissioned Kelly to do the project. She’s created a number of murals in the county, including one in Nyland Acres, and some in the Yolanda’s Mexican restaurant chain. Kelly admits murals are a unique type of art. Because they are public art, out in the open, everyone driving by can be an instant art fan, or art critic. Kelly says weather permitting the mural should be done later this week.
The Pleasant Valley Historical Society Museum is open from noon-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sunday. But, because the mural is on the side of the museum, next to the parking lot, you can stop by to see it anytime.
