The iconic “Character Counts” mural returns to brighten North Beach in San Clemente. Originally painted by local San Clemente High School (SCHS) Interact Club students (previously called Young Rotary club) almost 25 years ago, the mural was refurbished by the next generation of Interact Club students in 2011 before it was ultimately painted over in 2017.
Celebrating he city’s rich surf culture, the new mural respects the past iconic image while bringing a fresh, playful, colorful and multicultural design. San Clemente Sunrise Rotary Club, the sponsor of the city’s Character Counts mural, navigated plans to bring back the mural, which was finished in August 2022.
The winning design was awarded to Advanced Placement Artist, SCHS senior Estella Olivares. Estella, along with several high school and Interact Club students, painted the mural under the tutelage of local resident and professional muralist, Joshua Paskowitz. This project was the result of an excellent collaboration of community, Rotary (Interact) and SCHS students and San Clemente Sunrise Rotary.
With improved quality of paints available (donated by Sherwin Williams paint store in Capistrano Beach) and the City of San Clemente’s agreement to apply anti-graffiti/UV/element protection every 2 years, it is anticipated this “Character Counts” Mural will last for decades to come.
Check out the article in the OC Register (subscription required).
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