PACOIMA, Calif. – He’s painted dozens of murals all over Los Angeles, many of them are just beautiful artwork. But today James Hart is painting a mural with a message. Hart is working with the organization Muralism, a non-profit that is dedicated to beautifying the city of Los Angeles that employs artists with special needs. 

Hart is on the autism spectrum, and says painting is more than just a creative outlet for him.

“For me, it's a form of communication. It allows me to speak my inner thoughts much more easily than I could ever put words,” he said.

 

What You Need To Know


  • Pacoima mural project was launched to promote 2020 Census participation

  • Project brought community members together, including special needs artist who designed 3 murals

  • While 58% of LA County residents have filled out census forms, only 42% of Pacoima residents have done so

  • Murals are on display along Van Nuys Boulevard

 

Muralism was tasked with painting six murals that bring the message of the 2020 Census to the heart of Pacoima. The organization collaborated with City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez and Pacoima Beautiful on the project. 

Hart designed three of the murals, which he painted alongside members of the community.

“I made this art to bring people together and to allow others to take part in it,” he said.

The images he created represent community involvement and a positive message of inclusion. According to the US Census department website, 58 percent of Los Angeles County residents have already filled out their census forms. But only 42 percent of people living in Pacoima have done theirs.

Susana Carmona, who is the Pacoima Area Director for City Council District 7, says the census is really important for her community.

“Filling out the census brings out resources like transportation, money for schools, and hospitals. And these murals are something that also helps our community. It signifies the importance of the census, and it also beautifies the scenery,” Carmona said.

Residents like Ricardo Chaivez, who has lived in Pacoima for 50 years, appreciate Hart’s work.

“We need to be counted, just as your murals say out there. Everybody counts," Chaivez said.

 

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What was supposed to have only taken two weeks to complete, has taken two months because of postponements due to the Covid-19 pandemic and recent Black Lives Matter protests.

For Hart, it's now a matter of finally putting the finishing touches on his murals.

“I can go on detailing for ages, but I think it’s time for it to go to the public,” he said.

Following a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of Muralism’s Census project, the murals are now on display along Van Nuys Boulevard.

For more information, visit Muralism.