Marine Mammal Care Center Seeks Local Artist To Help Create Mural

SAN PEDRO, CA — Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro is looking for a local artist to help create a mural.

The Marine Mammal Care Center of Los Angeles is a non-profit hospital for seals and sea lions that spans more than 70 miles of beaches from Malibu to Seal Beach. Since 1992, the group has cared for marine mammals with illnesses, injuries and malnutrition. The goal is to rehabilitate and release them back to their ocean home.

"We also promote ocean conservation through education, research, and partnerships," according to the organization. "Our supporters value ocean stewardship, wildlife conservation, and sustainability."

The newest adventure for the organization is a collaboration with mosaic artist Julie Bender, who has created hundreds of beautiful mosaics, including many in San Pedro.

“It’s all about community," Bender said. "This kind of art is a civil service. It’s community art. It helps bring people together with the goal of making something beautiful.”

The organization wants to bring even more art to the center.

"Located on the Marine Mammal Care Center’s site is a 10x20 foot wall that is begging to be adorned with art," organizers said. "Not only will this be a gorgeous new addition to our iconic San Pedro location, but will also serve as a fundraiser to help MMCC continue their work rescuing and rehabilitating seals/sea lions."

MMCC is currently searching for an artist to create an ocean-themed piece of artwork that will serve as an inspiration for the wall, organizers said.

"Think mermaids, seals, dolphins, etc.- all the beauty of our oceans and imaginations," organizers said. "Ideally, the artist would also help periodically to supervise volunteers that help to bring the creation to life!"

The Marine Mammal Care Center is a non-profit, 501c3 organization. The organization is planning to offer a small stipend for the artwork and a plaque to showcase the artist's name.

The deadline for applicants is April 1.

"We will just go off of their website or up electronic portfolio to decide who what we would like to collaborate with," Amber Wimberly, Outreach and Events Coordinator at Marine Mammal Care Center, told Patch.

Marine Mammal Care Center is located at 3601 S Gaffey St #8, San Pedro.