Long Beach : Pro, Con Opinions Voiced Over Whaling Wall Mural

The city’s plan to paint the world’s 33rd whaling wall on the Long Beach Arena is tacky, some residents say. The mural, which would cover 116,000 square feet of the arena’s walls with whales and marine life, would be an eyesore on the city’s cosmopolitan Ocean Boulevard, they contend.

Proponents of the art argue that the work will highlight environmental concerns and attract positive attention to the city.

Both groups spoke at length on the issue at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

Council members said they would still seek donations for the project despite a promise by the opponents to continue publicizing their views. The council approved the project in December with the understanding that private sources would donate the paints and scaffolding.

Wyland, a Laguna Beach artist who does not use his first name, will donate his services.

Bernette Der Paulian, a member of Neighbors Organized for a Safer Environment, called the wall an “aesthetic crime.”

“I think it’ll kind of give it a hokey look,” Der Paulian said. “Wyland wants to have 100 murals in the world. It’ll be like having a McDonald’s.”

Other critics questioned whether taxpayers would end up paying for the project’s upkeep.

However, members of the area’s art community, teachers and their students told the council that the mural would serve as a positive reminder of marine life.

“Through the beauty of this mural our children will have the visual aid they need to appreciate sea life,” said Michele Blackmore, owner of Dolphin Express Inc.