Civic Engagement Project: Public Art in Venice Beach

 Kayla Bahadarian

Professor Aziz

Art 3170

April 2026


Venice Beach, California


PHASE 1: THE SITE

The place I chose for my project is Venice Beach. Venice Beach is a really popular area in Los Angeles that a lot of people visit, but it’s also known for its strong art culture. When you walk along the boardwalk, you see murals, graffiti, and street performers everywhere. It feels very different from a traditional museum because the art is out in the open and part of everyday life.

What I like about Venice Beach is how expressive it is. There are so many different styles and messages, and you can tell that artists are using the space to share their ideas freely. It’s busy and sometimes chaotic, but that’s also what makes it feel real and creative at the same time.


PHASE 2: FIELD WORK

 

(Image 1: Venice Art Walls / graffiti wall)

One of the most important art spaces in Venice is the Venice Art Walls. These walls are always changing because different artists are constantly painting over them. One artist connected to this space is Rip Cronk, who helped make it a legal place for artists to paint. His work usually includes bold colors and abstract faces, which makes it stand out and feel very expressive.

(Angel Wings mural by Colette Miller)

Another artist I found interesting is Colette Miller. She created the Angel Wings murals, which people can stand in front of to look like they have wings. I think this is cool because it turns the viewer into part of the artwork. At the same time, it also shows how art today is connected to social media, since a lot of people take photos with it.

You can also see the influence of artists like Shepard Fairey, who is known for political street art. Some murals in Venice have similar styles and messages about power, identity, and social issues. This adds another layer to the art because it’s not just visual—it’s also making a statement.

(Political or graffiti-style mural inspired by Shepard Fairey)

Another artist connected to murals in Los Angeles, including Venice, is Jonas Never. His work often shows famous people and connects pop culture to public spaces. This makes the art more relatable and easier for people to recognize.

Besides murals, street performers are also a big part of Venice Beach. Musicians and dancers create live performances that people can stop and watch. I think this is important because it shows that art here isn’t just something you look at—it’s something you experience.

PHASE 3: CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The art in Venice Beach shows a lot of freedom and creativity. Artists like Rip Cronk focus more on expression, while others like Shepard Fairey bring in political ideas. Colette Miller’s wings are more interactive, which shows how art can involve the audience.

At the same time, not everything is perfect. Because Venice Beach is such a tourist spot, some of the art feels like it’s made more for attention or photos rather than deeper meaning. For example, the Angel Wings are really popular, but sometimes people focus more on taking pictures than thinking about the message behind them.

Another thing I noticed is that a lot of the art doesn’t last very long. The Venice Art Walls are always being painted over, which allows for new artists, but it also means important pieces disappear quickly. This makes me think about how public art can balance change with preserving meaningful work.

PHASE 4: PROPOSAL

I think Venice Beach already does a really good job of giving artists space to express themselves. But one way it could improve is by creating more art that focuses on the people and history of the community, not just what attracts tourists.

For example, there could be mural projects that highlight local residents or tell stories about the history of Venice Beach. This would make the art feel more connected to the community instead of just visitors.

I also think it would be helpful to have a mix of temporary and more permanent art. The changing walls are great for creativity, but having some long-lasting pieces would help preserve important messages and stories.

Overall, Venice Beach should keep its creative and open atmosphere, but also find ways to make the art more meaningful and connected to the community.

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