OCEANSIDE — San Diego artist Jonny Pucci will transform the entrance of the Oceanside Transit Center parking garage into a work of art with a new mural, MainStreet Oceanside has announced.
The public voted for Pucci’s design as part of MainStreet Oceanside’s Art That Excites program, which aims to install up to 10 murals in public spaces throughout downtown Oceanside in collaboration with the Oceanside California Cultural District and the city Oceanside Arts Commission.
Pucci’s new mural will welcome visitors using the transit center with an homage to Oceanside’s coastal and historical roots.
“We are so excited to have Jonny Pucci bring his winning design to life on the exterior of the Oceanside Transit Center Parking Structure,” said MainStreet Oceanside CEO Gumaro Escarcega. “Jonny’s design reflects both the cultural heritage and natural beauty of our city, and this mural will serve as a welcoming landmark for residents and visitors arriving by public transit and car.”
As an artist, Pucci is known for his colorful and dynamic murals that blend elements of social commentary with community history. His artistic repertoire includes portraiture, ink on paper, and even custom-painted bicycles.
Pucci is behind several murals in Little Italy, North Park and South Park in San Diego, as well projects across California and in Italy. This will be his first mural in North County.
The Oceanside mural will be divided into three distinct yet interconnected parts to fit the building’s multi-shaped facade.
“In my mural practice, I always strive to create images that are thoughtful and site-specific by referencing the history and culture of the place and its people,” Pucci said.
Visitors approaching the mural from the northwest corner will first encounter a pattern reminiscent of Spanish tile – a nod to the region’s architectural heritage. The design draws inspiration from the original tiles at Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego and will incorporate patterns from the original Oceanside train station built in 1946.
As the mural progresses along the exterior staircase, a school of tuna follows the visual line created by the staircase, paying homage to Oceanside’s harbor.
“The symbolism of these powerful fish will act as a visual reminder of the region’s fishing history,” Pucci noted. “The schooling fish appear to take flight towards the upper deck of the parking structure, creating a dynamic sense of movement.”
At the far end of the building’s facade facing the ocean, pedestrians and drivers will find themselves beneath the lip of a massive 30-foot wave, painted with flowing strokes to capture the excitement and energy of the nearby Pacific Ocean.
“The loose and energetic paint strokes of the massive wave will communicate the energy and excitement of the Pacific Ocean just a few blocks away,” Pucci said.
Installation of the public façade art project will begin on Oct. 14 and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31 at 301 Seagaze Drive.
According to MainStreet Oceanside, upon its completion, the mural will serve as a new cultural landmark for both residents and visitors meant to enrich Oceanside’s art scene and while also celebrating its history and coastal aesthetics.
