Malibu Elementary School Unveils New Ocean-Themed Mural

MALIBU, CA — Malibu is filled with marine life — both living in the ocean and painted on walls.

Every year, the fifth grade class at what was formerly the Point Dume Marine Science School has sponsored ocean-themed murals near the ocean-adjacent campus. The school merged with Juan Cabrillo Elementary School to become Malibu Elementary School for the 2019-20 year.

After a challenging year marred by COVID-19, a new mural depicting two happy sea lions provides some much-needed good cheer. According to Santa Monica-Malibu United School District spokesperson Gail Pinsker, the fifth grade class held a family Bingo night fundraiser before the Safer at Home order that covered the cost of the mural and some graduation expense.

In the newest mural, adorning a previously blank wall in a courtyard near the school's library, two sea lions dance playfully underwater. The mural is flanked by the murals of past years, where baby blue whales swim alongside their mother, and young humans gather around to look at turtles and octopi. Artist Natasha Post, an alumnus of Juan Cabrillo Elementary School, said she was inspired by Point Dume and the neighboring sea lion murals .

“The mural celebrates our new mascot in a respectful way that gives dignity to sea lions and keeps the mural-gift tradition alive,” said Principal Christopher Hertz, who is completing his first year as head of the new elementary school.

"Malibu Elementary School is a school that uniquely promotes student ownership of the local marine biomes,” Hertz said. “This mural will inspire children and adults to value the space we share with other species. I am so thankful to our first graduating fifth grade class and parent leadership that made our new mural a reality.”