by Kevin Cody
Hermosa Beach’s two most notable historical buildings — the Sand and Surf Club (built in 1925 and subsequently known as the Biltmore Hotel), and the Metropolitan Movie Theater (built in 1923 and subsequently known as the Hermosa Theater) have been brought together in a mural that is appropriately cinematic, but bigger than any cinema screen. The mural covers the 45-foot high, 95-foot wide back wall of the former Hermosa Theater (which is now offices). It depicts the long gone Sand and Surf Club in its Roaring 20s heyday. The muralist, John Pugh, is world renowned for his trompe l’oeil work. He gave life to the mural with scenes of couples waving from balconies, and windows, and sunbathing on the beach. The effect, like great cinema, is bigger than life.
Unveiling
The mural unveiling takes place Monday, June 28 at 6 p.m. Following the unveiling will be an auction numbered Giclees, signed by the Pugh. Following the auction, a fundraising dinner will be held at Tower 12, on Pier Plaza. This is the 10th and final mural planned by the Hermosa Mural Committee. The murals have been funded through private donations and fundraisers. Donations may be made at the Hermosa murals website. Tickets to the reception are also available at the website: HermosaMurals.org. ER
