Young Artist Wants to Spread Mural Virtue Throughout the City

At a busy Los Angeles intersection, a young woman stands high above the street on a scaffold and paints on a long, blank wall.

She is working on one of the Social and Public Art Center’s “Great Walls Unlimited: Neighborhood Pride” Murals for 1993.

The artist, Daryl Wells, competed against 20 artists for the commission to paint the commemorative mural honoring the centennial anniversary of the founding of the National Council of Jewish Women.

The mural, outside the council’s Women’s Center in the Fairfax District, depicts 12 women who have played important roles in history. Some of the figures are Barbara Jordan, Barbara Boxer, Hannah Solomon, Rigoberta Henchu, Lee Krasner and Lillian Hellman. She plans to include a quote about solidarity below the figures.

“I wanted the women to look strong and determined,” the 23-year-old Los Angeles resident said. “I like (painting) the mural because I can hear what people think . . . it also demystifies the mural process and shows people you can make mistakes.”

Several months ago, Wells set to work on designing a concept for the mural, conducted research and worked with the National Council of Jewish Women to come up with an idea that fit their needs. Nearly every afternoon since mid-February, she has climbed the scaffold’s stairs to her outdoor studio. Fairfax High School student Felicia Goreshter has lent a hand.

*

Wells, who grew up near the Fairfax District, developed an interest in art as a high school student at Harvard-Westlake School. She attributes her passion for the discipline to art teacher Maryanne Hall, who she says encouraged her to continue her studies. She went on to attend the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence where she graduated with a degree in painting last year.

“Being from Los Angeles, I have a lot of hope for murals,” she said. “I would like to see more murals done because it would be great to make driving through Los Angeles like a being in a museum.”

Wells hopes to finish the mural early next month. It will be dedicated June 19 at a ceremony celebrating the NCJW’s anniversary.

*

Nine members of Highlights, the weekly newspaper of Beverly Hills High School, competed in the annual Los Angeles County “On-the-Spot” Write Off competition at Cal State Northridge last month.

Winners are Jonathan Weinbach, Marissa Pick, Avi Spiegel, Sarah Pontell, Aron Wellman, Norah Gottfried, Sara Myers, Allison Margolin and Julia Wang.

They will advance to the All-Southern California “On-the-Spot” Write Off on May 8 at Rialto High.

*

Councilwoman Ruth Galanter recently honored Beth Ojena as Los Angeles Pioneer Woman at a ceremony at City Hall.

Ojena is principal of Coeur D’Alene Avenue Elementary School in Venice. She has worked to build school partnerships with businesses, foundations and corporations.

Each of the 15 council members selected a Pioneer Woman for recognition of their community efforts.

*

Assemblyman Terry Friedman named Madelyn Glickman as “Woman of the Year” for the 41st Assembly District.

Glickman, a resident of Malibu, is a member of the California Coastal Commission and has been active with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Board and Malibu Township Council. The annual award is sponsored by the Legislative Women’s Caucus.

*

The Friends of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation awarded its Caregiver Award to Vee Mell, owner of Vee’s Pharmacy in West Hollywood.

She received the award March 29 at the Foundation’s Fourth Annual Academy Awards Celebration at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles.