An Calif. coffee shop wanted to foster public art. Neighbors say the mural is offensive
LOS ANGELES — It started as an idea to help foster more public art, after a few new murals in the Altadena, California, community were so well-received.
Victor Ving — who worked on the recent Altadena-themed murals — thought the side of Unincorporated Coffee Roasters’ building facing Lincoln Avenue could be the perfect spot to highlight other local, talented artists.
The owners of the local coffee shop jumped on board with the idea, deciding to sponsor a rotating mural project for a new black-and-white design each year.
But when the project’s second installation went up in mid-February, it almost immediately sparked controversy, and even outrage, from neighbors and others in Altadena’s west side. They say the violent image of broad-shouldered figures engaged in conflict, some using weapons, is triggering and offensive
