CRENSHAW : Artists Sought for Magic Johnson Mural

Magic Johnson Theatre is seeking local artists to put their writing on the wall--the interior wall of its upcoming theater complex.

Theater officials are seeking submissions from artists for a four-paneled mural depicting various phases of Johnson’s career. The mural, whose theme will be “Four Great Moments,” will be shown in the lobby of its 14-screen complex under construction at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. The theater is expected to open in May.

“With this mural, we’re trying to provide members of the community with an opportunity to be part of the construction,” said theater President Ken Lombard. “Artists can take that theme and go in whatever direction they want with it.”

Applicants must design a mural on a 3-by-9-foot rendering in oil paint or watercolors, using several photos of Johnson included in the application. In keeping with the photos, the images of Johnson must include him at four stages: as an NCAA championship player, a star Laker player, an Olympian athlete and as a businessman.

Artists must include a bid on the cost of the project, which will be part of the criteria used for selection.

A mural arts panel will select the winning entry. The panel includes Magic Johnson; Mark Greenfield, director of Watts Tower Arts Center; and Roella Hsieh Louie, director of grants, public arts and cultural planning with the city Cultural Affairs Department.

Deadline for renderings and proposals is 5 p.m. Feb. 15. Submissions must be sent to MJT corporate offices, 9100 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1060, Beverly Hills, Calif. 90212.

Information: (310) 247-1994.