The Mini-Murals

In February 2018, the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Murals Project initiated, sponsored and managed the painting by local artists of 17 SDG&E utility boxes located on or near Main Street in Ramona, Calif., completing the project in September of that year. The Ramona Community Foundation provided funds to enable a modest honorarium to the artists. In addition, Ransom Brothers Lumber & Supply Company donated the paint and wire brushes to clean and paint the boxes.

A goal of the Utility Box Project was to involve local artists who provided their fine-art talents to the smaller canvas of the utility boxes. A total of 14 artists and a half dozen student artists painted 17 utility boxes throughout the town. Each submitted a sketch rendering of their concept for the box(es) approved by the H.E.A.R.T. Committee.

Concepts incorporated the community aspects represented in the H.E.A.R.T.:

H = Historic buildings and hiking trails
E = Equestrian industry
A = Arts, antiques, and agriculture
R = Rural country vistas and drives
T = Tasting fine wines and cuisine

Artist Lauren Chiara and student artist Isobel Maehler completed the first of 17 painted utility boxes at the NW corner of Montecito & Main.

Artist Casey Buonaugurio turned the utility box outside the library (on 13^th Street) into a bookcase full of books.

Artist Isabelle Dorroh and student artist Isobel Maehler transformed the utility box into art at (4th and Main).

At the intersection of Main St. and Day St. you’ll be greeted with flowers, butterflies, and hummingbirds on a mini-mural painted by Danni Pearson.

While driving by 13^th and Main, don’t miss Jerry Meloche’s cowboys and cowgirls showing off on their bucking horses with lassos and cowboy hats—except for one who seems to have left his saddle for the ground. Jerry is known for his editorial cartoons and his landscapes and portraits. Ramona High School students Janée Doomey and Mia Garnica assisted Jerry.

You can’t miss artist Johnathan Martinez’s two painted utility boxes near 5th and Main. In typical Martinez style, the colors are bright and the images vivid. Johnathan, a friend of the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project, has participated in the Ramona Art and Wine Festival as an artist and as a wine-barrel artist. He also painted the La Quinceañera mural at the intersection of Main St. and Pala St.

Artist Lourans Mikhail, a Marine veteran currently attending the San Diego Art institute, painted two utility boxes near 4^th and Main. He is a Ramona local artist, graphic artist guild member, and a member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA).

Artist Marie Bravo, an art student at San Diego State University and a Ramona resident, brightened the corner at 14^th and Main with a pastoral mini-mural.

Charlene Pulsonetti’s mini-mural near the Union Bank at Montecito Rd. and Main St., is, according to the artist, reminiscent of most of her work. The woman riding the horse represents independence, self-confidence and a connection with nature. In addition to painting utility boxes, Charlene creates original watercolor and acrylic paintings inspired by the American Southwest.

Karen Riedler’s birds cover her mini-mural, at Montecito Rd. and Main St., from a winking owl to a scowling hawk, all local birds to Ramona! Karen is a designer, artist, illustrator, and avid volunteer. She has a BA in Electronic Art from CSU Chico. She uses her creative skills in all facets of her life, from her varied career experience in apparel and graphic design, to making art for her family. She has also written and illustrated two children’s books and has a third she illustrated to be released very soon. She does commissions and is always willing to hear about possible projects! Check out her website at: karenriedler.com

Lori Sutherland’s bright yellow mini-mural features large lavender flowers with checkered borders on her mini-mural at Montecito Rd. and Main St. Student artist Julianne Simonson, an 8th grader at Olive Peirce Middle School, assisted Lori. Lori is a local award-winning artist who shows her work in the 2Create Gallery in Ramona. She has also been a participant in the Ramona Artists Open Studios Tour for several years. Known for her detailed and colorful colored pencil art, she also creates unique acrylic paintings, embellished with semi-precious stones, glass, and metal. You can see more of Lori’s art at LoriSutherland-Artist.com.

Next to the Tribute to the Kumeyaay Mural at 1530 Main St. is a scene by Molly Jaeger-Begent. Molly, a contemporary acrylic artists who lives in Ramona, has been painting for many years. She attended the Art Students League of NYC. She is the owner of the 2Create Gallery at 438 Main Street, Ramona, CA.

Danni Pearson’s large sunflowers can be viewed at the corner of 14th and Main. This is Danni’s second mini-mural utility box. Danni says she is passionate about her art. Whether faces, canvases, wood, or rocks, she’ll find a way to decorate them. She is a self-taught pyrographer (wood burner), creating works on everything from wooden spoons to cutting boards. She volunteers her time and painting skills to various community events, including painting faces at her children’s school and beautifying utility boxes.

Helen Wilson’s mini-mural is the second at 13th and Main. Her painting is to represent how, “Our Town of Ramona was created by a multiplicity of people, each with their own belief of how we came to be human.” Hannah Schwantner, who lives in Ramona, is a student of the Arts at Palomar College who assisted Helen. Helen is an internationally exhibited artist and currently the Director of The Art Center of Ramona, and a Palomar College Art Instructor. She is interested in identity and the genetic and social forces that form us. Website: www.helenwilsonartist.com.

At the corner of 7^th and Main, Janice Reich’s animal characters surround her mini-mural. When she’s not painting utility boxes, Janice’s artwork includes original watercolors, animal & pet art as well as photography of Ramona Valley vineyards and wineries, as well as vineyards and wineries in Tuscany.