The Story Behind the Boardwalk Murals. Love Your Beach, Love Your Planet
Just three weeks ago, something beautiful began.
Through Arts in Partnership, Inc., Johanna Mathieson connected us with Susan Gallo and her husband Darren Gallo of DWG Management https://dwgmanagement.com.
They shared a simple but powerful vision: transform the plywood lining the boardwalk into a canvas for temporary public art.
At the heart of this vision is Susan’s Bioswale initiativehttps://www.facebook.com/people/Bioswale-Club/61558920765169/
A project rooted in education, sustainability, and community impact. Designed to help manage stormwater and protect our coastline, the initiative also brings kids and students into the process — teaching them about environmental responsibility through hands-on participation, art, and collaboration. It’s not just about beautifying the boardwalk — it’s about shaping the next generation of ocean stewards.
We didn’t hesitate — we rolled with it.
It began with photography installations across the building façade by https://www.aip4arts.org, alongside a wave design by Susan, paired with lyrics inspired by the Algonquin “Blessing of the Water.” Then something magical happened. Susan invited the community to participate — to leave their imprint, literally — hands forming waves, turning the wall into a living, breathing piece of collective art.
From there, we made a call for just three murals.
But the artist community showed up in a way we will never forget.
What followed was an outpouring of creativity, generosity, and heart:
Carlo Thertus created a breathtaking 60-foot masterpiece, Humanity
Melinda McKee and Mural Minds brought us Inhale the Ocean, Exhale the Noise
Spike the Artist gave us Sea Life Echoes
Echo Artist mesmerized us with metallic, fluid fish murals that shimmer like the ocean itself
Mike’s Respect the Ocean paid a moving tribute to his mother
Poor Rupert added a whimsical, joyful crab
Cathleen Ficht painted her first wave mural
Michelle Dodd brought her beloved flowing forms to life and her larger than life Sea Bass
Jonathan Horowitz Water is Life
And Jedidah reminded us to treat the ocean like family with a striking Poseidon piece
Special thanks to Aboffs Paints https://aboffs.com for donating primers, paints and more
Each artist donated their time. Their talent. Their spirit.
All for Long Beach.
This project became more than murals — it became a movement. A testament to what happens when community, art, and purpose come together — where environmental awareness meets artistic expression, and where students, families, and artists all play a role.
We now look ahead to April 19th, when we will gather for the Blessing of the Water — a moment to celebrate the ocean, our shared responsibility to protect it, and to officially kick off our Art Trail across the city.
Keep an eye out as the celebration continues — with artworks displayed throughout local businesses and a curated map guiding you through this citywide experience.
This is Long Beach.
This is community.
This is art in motion.
