Oxnard Artist Designs Stunning Art for Community Mural

Elisa Torres did it again.

For the third year in a row, Torres, an Oxnard-based artist, has designed the community mural that attendees can paint at the 26th Annual Celebration of the Whales Festival. The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 13th at the Channel Islands Harbor.

“The whales festival mural is a bold exploration of marine life, influenced by the glowing beauty of bioluminescence, the striking contrasts of black light posters, and the nostalgic aesthetic of 90s sticker art,” Torres said. “Through this piece, I highlight the energy and movement of the ocean, using vibrant colors to create a sense of depth and wonder.”

A diver in colorful underwater scene with vibrant whales, dolphins, fish, an otter, and an octopus, set against a blue ocean backdrop.

The Ventura County Harbor Department, organizer of the whales festival, collaborated with the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) on the mural project. Torres is an employee of OPAC.

Once the concept was completed, OPAC staff put together a canvas and a sketch of the mural. At the event, attendees will paint parts of the mural with pre-assigned colors for each area of the canvas. The community mural is located at Harbor View Park, between the Farmers Market and the Channel Islands Maritime Museum.

Event map showing parking, picnic area, farmers market, childrens fun zone, chalk art trail, Marine Emporium Landing, boating center, and maritime museum activity area.