Artists to Unveil ‘Sunset Symphony’ Mural Celebrating Local Heritage

[UPDATED] A vibrant celebration of local heritage adorns the corner of Marion Ave. across from Pasadena City College, as local artists unveil the “Pasadena Sunset Symphony” mural in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 11, at 3 p.m. 

Located at 1543 E Colorado Blvd, this Art Deco-inspired masterpiece is part of the Greetings Tour project by Pasadena-based artist Victor Ving and photographer Lisa Beggs.

The mural captures the essence of Pasadena’s cultural vibrancy and historical significance. 

“While Pasadena City Hall might be considered a cliché for a featured local landmark, I chose to portray a more abstract and graphic style with the lights illuminating the building in the evening,” Victor Ving, the artist behind the creation, said in a statement on the project’s website. 

Ving’s focus was on highlighting the top dome structure of Pasadena City Hall, symbolically representing the city’s moniker, the “Crown City.” The mural’s background showcases the San Gabriel mountains during sunset, alongside graceful flights of green parrots, encapsulating the beauty of the region during twilight – a personal experience for Ving as he was working on the mural.

The artwork pays homage to the historical citrus groves that shaped Pasadena’s identity, with vibrant oranges in the foreground. These oranges hold dual significance, representing historical relevance and symbolizing good luck and prosperity in Chinese culture.

“As both the property owner, business proprietors, and myself share Chinese heritage, incorporating this symbolism felt like a relevant and meaningful tribute to this particular location, ” Ving said. 

Ving emphasized his creative freedom in this particular mural, utilizing his local perspective to encapsulate Pasadena’s landmarks, culture, history, and nature. The creation, initially estimated to take a week, extended due to Ving’s dedication during his free time at the end of the year, allowing meticulous attention to detail.

Acknowledging the support received, the project thanks Montana Cans, The Fine Arts Club of Pasadena, and Visit Pasadena for their generous contributions toward supply costs. Special mention was made to Bubble Puff & Tea owners Vivian & Connie for their unwavering support during the mural’s creation.

The mural’s presence has already started fostering community connections, with locals engaging with the artists during the creation process. Ving reflected on these interactions, highlighting their significance in making the artwork more meaningful to passersby, creating a sense of connection with the piece.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be hosted by the Pasadena Mural Company and the Pasadena Chamber, and marks the completion of this significant mural, now a part of Pasadena’s rich artistic landscape.

For more information and to view the mural, visit www.greetingstour.com/murals/pasadena-art-deco-mural.