A BENEFIT TO RESTORE ARTWORK

A documentary on the life and career of artist Helen Lundeberg will be screened Sept. 20 at the main branch of the Fullerton Public Library as part of a benefit for the planned restoration of a mural by the California painter.

Among her works was a mural depicting Southern California history, painted in the City Council chamber of Fullerton City Hall when it was dedicated in 1942.

After the city completed a new City Hall in 1963, the old building became headquarters for the Police Department. The former council chamber was divided into offices: parts of Lundeberg’s mural were painted over, parts were destroyed with the installation of air and heating ducts and the rest was hidden by a new, lower ceiling.

Restoration of the mural--repainting of the lost portions with the help of vintage photographs--is the keystone project of Fullerton’s centennial celebration this year. The $200,000 effort also will include restoring the former council chamber for use as a community meeting room.

The Sept. 20 benefit is sponsored by Friends of the Helen Lundeberg Mural. The documentary, “Helen Lundeberg: American Painter,” produced by the Toby Moss Gallery in Los Angeles, will be shown at 1:45 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. in the Fullerton Main Library, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave. Works by Lundeberg also will be displayed, and the audience will be invited to the Police Department to see the mural. Reservations are required.