Graffiti-Scarred Wall Becomes Muralist’s Canvas

A 200-foot-long wall that was once an eyesore has been transformed into a work of art by a local muralist--with the help of some fifth-grade students.

The wall at Ashtabula Street and Los Robles Avenue was for years a regular target of graffiti vandals. But on Jan. 31 the wall’s new look will be revealed.

The mural, titled “How We Came to the Fifth World,” is the work of muralist Cindy Scheckel and a fifth-grade class from nearby James Madison Elementary School. Although the wall is privately owned, the mural is part of the city of Pasadena’s graffiti abatement program, officials said.

“An ancient myth suggests that we are living in the fifth world because the previous four worlds were destroyed by fire, winds, water and famine,” said Katherine Shannon, acting executive director of the city’s Cultural Planning Division. “According to the myth, we must promote harmony within our communities or suffer a similar demise. So harmony in the community is reflected by the artist in the mural.”