October is Arts Month! As we celebrate the arts and the creative community that makes Long Beach vibrant, we’re taking a moment to look back at something special that happened this summer. From community projects to the care and conservation of public artwork, this summer was full of opportunities to connect with public art in new ways. This month, we’re highlighting one of those stories and the people who helped make it happen.
Every summer, visitors to the Uptown Jazz Festival are welcomed by a vibrant mural that reflects the creativity and spirit of North Long Beach. What many don’t see is the care and dedication that goes into keeping the artwork looking its best year after year.
Like many public artworks, this mural titled The Blue Note by Bodeck Luna has experienced repeated acts of defacement over time. Exposure to the elements and intentional damage can diminish the original artwork, making regular conservation an important part of preserving this community landmark.
Rather than simply repainting over damaged areas, mural restoration is a thoughtful process. Artists carefully clean the surface, remove signs of defacement where possible, repair damaged sections, and restore colors and details so the mural remains true to their original vision. This work helps extend the life of the artwork while ensuring it continues to inspire residents and visitors alike.
This year’s conservation was especially meaningful. During the Long Beach Youth Sports Festival in celebration of LA28 National Olympic and Paralympic Day of Sport, over 500 local youth had the opportunity to witness the conservation process firsthand and meet the mural’s artist. They learned that public art doesn’t appear out of thin air- it requires ongoing care, stewardship, and community investment. Seeing the artist restore the mural offered a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to preserve public art for future generations.
The Arts Council for Long Beach supports the restoration of this mural each year in preparation for the annual Uptown Jazz Festival. The annual conservation ensures the artwork is ready to welcome festivalgoers while celebrating the neighborhood it was created to serve.
Public art belongs to everyone, and preserving it is a shared responsibility. Through regular conservation and community engagement, we can help ensure that this work and many others can continue to tell the stories of Long Beach for years to come.
As we celebrate Arts Month this October, we invite you to take a moment to appreciate public art near you and the ongoing care, creativity, and community that help keep Long Beach’s public art vibrant for generations to come.
