RAMONA H.E.A.R.T MURALS REFLECT AREA'S HISTORIC HERITAGE

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April 9, 2015 (Ramona) - If you’ve traveled through Ramona recently , you may have noticed some colorful murals depicting the town’s historical heritage.

They’re the products of Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Murals, a nonprofit dedicated to encouraging economic vitality by increasing tourism, promoting community pride, and celebrating Ramona’s rich cultural heritage through the innovative outdoor visual arts program.

So far, artists have completed five murals. 

The Casey Tibbs mural commemorates a famous rodeo cowboy, actor, stunt man and movie director who was twice named a world rodeo champion and once graced the cover of Life Magazine. His image astride a bucking bronco adorns the Town & Country real estate building, created by artists John and Jeanne Whalen.

An equine mural by Linda Churchill was sponsored by the San Vicente Saddle Club depicts four aspects of equestrian traditions: rodeo, trail riding, cross country and dressage. That’s fitting in Ramona, where 17% of residents own at least one horse.

A historic commerce mural sponsored by Ramona Chamber of Commerce members is actually a reproduction of a painting by Louise Shidner which depicts her uncle driving his hay wagon down Main Street Ramona. The art team of Bob Teague, Mark Martensen and David Billick created this mural.

The Music Center mural by Jason Luper portrays a larger-than-life guitar, celebrating the musical heritage of Ramona, a town that hosts an annual music festival.

The latest mural, dedicated in April, is called “Kenilworth Inn Time Travelers” by artist Linda Luisi. It’s on the side of the Ramona Food and Clothes Closet building at Main and Eight streets. The former Kenilworth Inn on the site was built in 1887 as a rural tourist resort, but burned to the ground in 1943. Now it lives on in the mural depiction here.

The acronym H.E.A.R.T. reflects Ramona's location in the center of San Diego County. The letters reflect community characteristics: “H” for Historic and Hiking, “E” for Equine, “A” for Arts, Antiques and Agriculture, “R” for scenic rural vistas and drives, and “T” for Tasting of fine wines. 

Can a wine tasting mural be far behind?

Learn more at http://RamonaMurals.com.


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