Letters to Altadena

Victor Ving is an accomplished muralist. Together with photographer Lisa Beggs, he has traveled across the United States through their Greetings Tour, painting vintage postcard–style murals that have become icons of the places they celebrate.

In 2023, Victor painted the stunning 14' x 31' “Greetings from Altadena” mural on the western wall of the Grocery Outlet on Lake Avenue. It has since served as a backdrop for countless photos and videos, and has appeared in film, television and print.

After the Eaton Fire destroyed thousands of homes and businesses in Altadena, Victor invited artists who were directly affected by the fire to join him in creating a new mural on the gymnasium wall at Loma Alta Park.

I was honored to be among them. Each of us was given one letter of “Loma Alta” and invited to fill it with a personal reflection of Altadena.

Before the fire, my daily walks often took me through the park, and one day I stopped to paint the gymnasium. That is the scene I painted inside my letter.

Other artists who contributed to the mural are: Ray Abary, Lauren McElroy, Aaron Maurer, Lisa Beggs, Alec Pelsone, Victor Ving, Laina Miller, Leanna Viers & Katie Vonderheide

More art & info below (to come)