Mural and landscaping improvements will soon be seen at Golden State Humane Society in North Long Beach as the first project of Ninth District Councilmember Rex Richardson’s effort to beautify the area. The Creative Corridor Challenge, launched in September of 2015, seeks to engage artists, residents and stakeholders to identify and work together to enhance North Long Beach’s corridors.

Partnering with the Arts Council for Long Beach, Squeeze Arts Collective, Uptown Property and Community Association and the City of Long Beach Office of Sustainability, Richardson has dedicated $50,000 to support the community-driven projects, to include tree planting, mural and public art installations, according to the release.

“North Long Beach is making great progress towards our renaissance, and the Creative Corridor Challenge has united our residents, local artists, and business owners to make our corridors vibrant and inviting,” said Richardson in a statement. “I’m looking forward to seeing North Long Beach blossom with beautiful art and sustainable landscapes in the months to come.”

After residents were asked in October to select the corridors that could benefit from the improvements, artists were asked to submit mural and utility box ideas for the challenge. Seven artists have been selected to create artwork at specific locations throughout North Long Beach, including Guillermo Avalos, who is spearheading the first project at the Golden State Humane Society.

Other selected artists involved with the Creative Corridor Challenge are Squeeze Art Collective founders Katie Phillips and Tracy Negrete, muralist Marcel “SEL” Blanco, muralist Maria “Mer” Young, painter Jose Loza and Dog Knit Sweater duo Daisy Rosas and Danny Miller, according to the announcement.

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Seven murals are planned for this initial stage of the challenge, while 100 trees will be planted in the North Long Beach area. Work is scheduled to begin on these projects between now and June.

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