An Inside Conversation About How The Havana To Ventura Mural Project Came To Be

A few short months ago, the Havana To Ventura mural project for ArtWalk 2015 was only an idea discussed between members of our steering committee and some new friends in Havana, Pedro Pulido and Victor Pina,  talking over dinner in Havana.  Little did any of us know what an incredible reality this idea would become.

We are now less than a week away from ArtWalk.  Our Cuban friends have arrived, nails are being set to hang art and photos, and the last few brush strokes are being applied to the mural at 50 W. Main Street in Downtown Ventura.  This usually empty lot and yellow wall has become quite the hub of activity, seeing accomplished local artists and aspired art students all join MB Hanrahan and Pedro Pulido, MB's Cuban counterpart, in working on the mural over the past few weeks.

Sue Pollack, a steering committee member who has been instrumental in making all of this happen, dropped by the mural site last week to check in.  It was just the right time to find Pedro painting alone, accompanied by only by Victor, who was seated in the shade reading a book. 

A quiet conversation began between Sue and Victor as Pedro continued to paint:

Victor: Sue, we never thought this would happen. We didn't know you, it was a nice dinner and you invited us to Artwalk. Just like that.  We joked a lot about it after you went back to California. Pedro, Mercedes and I laughed thinking this will never happen. Here we are 7 months later, sitting and talking and watching Pedro paint.
What were you thinking?
 
Sue: I don't know, I just new that the three of you were very special and I had a vision of you coming and participating in Artwalk. I can't remember when the mural idea came to me. When I returned from Cuba, I e-mailed Mary and Kevin. Guess what? I just invited 3 Cubans to Artwalk. I think Pedro and MB could paint together, collaborate, make history. They were excited about the idea. I called Josh Addison, I called MB and I started the crazy paperwork to sponsor everyone.
 
Victor: Did you ever have doubts that it wouldn't happen?
 
Sue: No, not at all ...

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The Havana To Ventura mural project is almost complete.   Please follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts to watch the final touches being applied.  

For 2015, ArtWalk Ventura is July 18th and 19th.  Find out more here.