Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Launches Second Mural Project

The building wall has been chosen, the artist has been selected and the “thumbnail” sketch of the final mural has been approved by the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project Board, the building owner and the Design Review Board at their Nov. 29 meeting. The fundraising activities have begun and the artist, Linda Churchill of San Diego, is ready to begin Ramona’s second mural on Business Barn at 4th and Main Streets.

This mural has an equine theme, with most disciplines represented: western/rodeo, trail riding, cross country and dressage, all underscored with a banner stating, “The Equine Community Welcomes You.” 

As President of the Mural organization, Elaine Lyttleton stated, “If we just had $10 for every horse in Ramona, we’ll have paid for the mural with no need for a big benefit event!” 

In fact, that is the goal of the group, as well as encouraging equine related businesses to donate $250 to receive special recognition on a plaque on the mural wall, and on the web site with links to the businesses web site.

The mission of the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project is “to encourage economic vitality by increasing tourism, promoting community pride, and celebrating our rich cultural heritage through an outstanding outdoor visual arts program.”

Since the first mural installation of Casey Tibbs on the Town & Country Real Estate & Home Loans building at 10th and Main Streets, the mural group has been negotiating with building owners, issuing artist calls, and fundraising. 

All the murals will follow the H.E.A.R.T. which is an acronym coined to reflect Ramona’s location in the geographic center of the county (the heart of San Diego County).

The letters stand for “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 (Ramona Valley was designated an American Viticultural Area in 2006 by the Federal Government.) 

Other murals coming up next are: the Old Kenilworth Inn depicted on the Ramona Food & Clothes Closet wall, and a mural sponsored by Ramona Chamber of Commerce members on the La Cocina building wall facing 7th Street.

To be a part of this Equine Mural, donors are urged to send their tax deductible donations of $10 per horse owned or $250 per equine business to: The Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project, along with complete contact information to P.O. Box 1661, Ramona CA 92065. 

For information on how you can help or participate, contact President, Elaine Lyttleton at 760-787-1102.

—Submitted by Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project President Elaine Lyttleton