If you’ve driven Highway 101 through Ventura County, you’ve probably passed the Moon Ditch flood control channel without a second thought. That’s about to change.
The County of Ventura is proud to announce that Oxnard-based muralist and cultural strategist Elisa Torres will lead the transformation of the Moon Ditch flood control channel into one of the largest public murals in county history. Stretching nearly a mile and visible from both the 101 and passenger rail lines, this mural will be seen by tens of thousands of people every day.
This project is part of VibeWell Ventura County — our countywide initiative to using the arts to support mental health and wellbeing in our communities. We believe that our environment, connection, and a sense of place matter. The Moon Ditch Mural is that belief in action.
Torres was selected from a pool of 15 artists, and her vision for the space runs deep. A Ventura County native, Channel Islands High School and CSU Channel Islands alum, she has been creating public art here since 2005. Her work with the Oxnard College 50th Anniversary mural is just one example of a career devoted to celebrating the people and places she grew up with.
Her vision for the Moon Ditch traces the watershed’s story from river to ocean, honoring native birds, endangered species, and the microscopic life that calls this corridor home. “My hope is that the mural invites people to see this corridor not only as infrastructure, but as habitat,” Elisa said.
What makes this project especially meaningful is how it’s being built. Torres will work alongside roughly 10 local artists, system-involved youth, students, and volunteers, because the process of making this mural is just as important as the mural itself. Community members can get involved through design input sessions, volunteer days, and community paint days in the months ahead.
Funded through Ventura County Behavioral Health’s Mental Health Services Act and private donations, the project is managed by Studio Channel Islands Art Center in Camarillo. It is a collaborative County project, with led by District 1, Public Works – Watershed Protection, and Arts and Culture.
To follow along or find out how to participate, visit studiochannelislands.org/moon-ditch or follow @sciartcenter and @vibewellvc on Instagram.
To follow the project’s progress or find out how to get involved, visit studiochannelislands.org/moon-ditch or follow @sciartcenter and @vibewellvc on Instagram.