As you make your way down Chenery Street towards Elk, you cannot miss the delightful brightly colored eyes of a supersized owl staring back at you. This brand new creature is but one small part of a lively mural swiftly coming to life. On the morning of Sunday April 27, eager neighbors arrived to take part in Glen Park’s first community mural painting day. The event was organized by Renee Berger and Suzanne Ginsburg. It was Ginsburg’s idea to transform the crumbling retaining wall bordering the Elk Street side of Glen Canyon Park’s ball field, into a dynamic eye-catching visual invitation to experience all of the park’s treasures.
Photo: Renee Berger
Several weeks earlier, San Francisco Department of Recreation and Parks along with a contractor, began the transformation of the dreary wall into a clean, smooth white “canvas.” Then, Sirron Norris, mural artist extraordinaire, transferred his cartoon (a full sized drawing of the mural) onto the wall. Meanwhile, enthusiastic neighbors signed up online for their 45-minute painting time slots. There was such high demand that a wait list had to be created.
The neighborhood’s excitement about the mural had been fueled by two well-attended community meetings last fall. With the muralist’s encouragement and assistance, Glen Park residents eagerly shared what they love about the park and created a long wish list for the mural. This included everything from the canyon’s pre-park days to specific flora and fauna, the indoor and outdoor rock climbing walls, the stairways and legacy buildings, and even the park’s distant view of Sutro Tower.
Norris listened well and was somehow able to pack each of the suggestions into a multi-perspective and vibrantly colorful mural. He also took into account the car traffic flow along Elk Street, noting that folks driving by would catch only glimpses of the images, while pedestrians, especially younger children, would have quite a different perspective. The final design, which was not fully revealed until mural painting day, took all of this and more into account.
Photo: Nicholas Dewar
And on that day paint colors flowed. About 100 painters ranged in age from tiny tots with parents in tow to Boomers. Each was greeted by Norris, and assigned a specific part of the mural. He then poured the appropriate paint color into a cup, and led the volunteer to their assigned section. Norris’ brief, simple and clear instructions were coupled with a mini-demonstration, using short and quick strokes to produce a smooth, evenly painted surface.
Photo: Nicholas Dewar
Neighbors enjoyed meeting neighbors and spreading the joy. Jessica moved to Glen Park’s Martha Avenue about six months ago and thought it would be fun to paint with her two children. Daughter Lexi (10) said that she enjoyed painting outdoors, while her 12 year-old brother Caden took the longer view, stating, “I’m gonna walk past here, maybe in 10 years and I’m gonna tell my friends ‘I painted that rock right over there,’” while gesturing towards the freshly painted boulder.
Photo: Nicholas Dewar
Terry and Paul Terry painting within the lines.
Photo: Nicholas Dewar
Nearby, and laser focused on their brushstrokes, were Sussex street resident Jana with her daughter Simrin (“almost 13”) who said “It’s really cool ‘cause I’ve seen some of Sirron Norris’ art before—I saw it as a kid—so I think it’s interesting to be painting his art.”
Throughout the event an energetic group of volunteers performed many tasks that helped the day run smoothly. For example, multitasker Suzanne Ginsburg taped the sidewalk at the base of the mural, washed brushes, managed volunteers and ensured that Norris had whatever he needed, including an empanada lunch warmed in her home oven and delivered to the park by her husband.
Meanwhile, Renee Berger made sure that all participants were comfortable and safe along the narrow sidewalk as traffic whizzed by. She also encouraged volunteers not to overstay their shift so that everyone had their glorious 45 minutes of painting time.
Sam and Amanda, two San Francisco Park Rangers observed the artistry from the sidewalk. When asked what they thought, they enthusiastically exclaimed in unison, ”I absolutely love it!” Ranger Amanda Barrows, recently awarded a Citation of Honor by the Board of Supervisors for her work with homeless residents, added “I love that it honors some of the park’s keystone species, and that it transforms something bland into something vibrant and beautiful.”
Rafael Mandelman, Glen Park’s Supervisor and current President of the Board of Supervisors, commented, “I’m super grateful to Renee and Suzanne and all the folks that organized the community to do this, hot on the heels of the Burnside Mural and stairway—keeping the momentum going.”
Photo: Marian Dalere
The mural should be completed by mid-May. And most mornings since the event, Sirron Norris can be spotted painting while sitting on a skateboard, then scooting along to another part of the mural, sometimes accompanied by an assistant.
Photo: Nicki Michaels
It is amazing to watch this wall transform from an eyesore into a stellar piece of public art through collaboration with the city we love, an experienced and talented mural artist, and a community’s creative vision and participation.
The Elk Street Mural is a project of San Francisco Parks Alliance in collaboration with San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.
Related Links
Read more about how the Elk Street Mural came about
Read more about San Franciso’s best public art
Read more about Park Ranger Amanda Barrows’ work with the homeless of Golden Gate Park