John Van Hamersveld: enjoying his mural erected at the power generation plant in El Segundo | Photo: JVH Facebook

The Friends of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium will unveil two new murals by American artist John Van Hamersveld, in San Pedro, California.

The ocean-themed murals mounted on aluminum panels will be installed on the back of Aquarium's marquee sign and also will wrap around its gift shop.

The Aquarium, a facility of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, is part of the new state-designated San Pedro Cultural Arts District due to its design by world-famous architect Frank Gehry.

"We get visitors from all over the world who want to see one of Frank Gehry's early works," explains Caroline Brady, executive director of Friends of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, which raises $1.5 million to support aquarium projects and programs each year.

"We are thrilled to be part of the new cultural arts district, and the new mural by John Van Hamersveld will give art lovers even more reason to visit us. John grew up surfing our local beaches, and his love of the ocean and its creatures shines through this work."

John Van Hamersveld: he designed two new murals for the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium | Photo: Art: JVH

Van Hamersveld: A Southern California Icon

Van Hamersveld is best known for his poster design for the 1966 movie, "The Endless Summer," one of the most popular and recognizable poster images of all time.

His iconic works celebrate Southern California's surf and sand culture. The artist also designed one of the most famous rock posters - for the 1968 Jimi Hendrix concert at the Shrine Auditorium.

Van Hamersveld designed more than 300 album covers for The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Blondie, Kiss, and many others, most famously the Stones' "Exile on Main Street" and the Beatles' "Magical Mystery Tour."

His 360-degree mural at the Los Angeles Coliseum for the 1984 Olympic Games won him national recognition by the American Institute of Architects.

He remains active with high-profile projects, including a 510-square foot mural erected last month at the Department of Water and Power's Scattergood power generation plant in El Segundo.

David Arian, the Port of Los Angeles Commissioner, will help unveil the new mural, funded in part by a $15,000 port community grant. The ceremony is expected to kick off summer on June 21, 2018, at 11:30 am.

The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium welcomes more than 300,000 visitors come each year. The structure is home to more than 160 different species of Southern California marine life and features a rocky shore, a salt marsh, a sandy beach, an Aquatic nursery, exploration center, and classroom.

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