The Atrium Gallery, located at the County Government Center in the Hall of Administration, is currently presenting an exhibit celebrating the completion of the Moon Ditch Mural, a landmark public art project that transformed a flood control channel into one of the largest murals in the United States, spanning over two-thirds of a mile.
Designed by Oxnard-based artist Elisa Torres and brought to life by a team of local artists, the mural is a vibrant tribute to Ventura County’s living watershed, featuring native plants, wildlife, and waterways: tule reeds, monarch butterflies, dragonflies, egrets, and great blue herons. The mural explores the connection between healthy, clean waterways, public art, and our collective wellbeing and mental health.
The exhibit offers gallery visitors an up-close look at the artistry and community effort behind the mural, including the story of the roughly 200 volunteers — families, students, seniors, and justice-involved youth — who joined community paint days and helped bring the artwork to life alongside the artist team.
It’s a chance to see how a piece of flood control infrastructure became a vibrant community landmark, and to explore the connections between art, environmental stewardship, and community wellbeing at the heart of the project.
The Moon Ditch Mural is part of VibeWell Ventura County, a countywide initiative using arts and culture to support mental health and community wellbeing.
The exhibition is on display until September 30, Monday through Friday, 8 am – 5 pm at the Ventura County Government Center, Hall of Administration Atrium Gallery, 800 S. Victoria Ave.
Ventura County Board of Supervisors Honors Moon Ditch Mural Artists
On August 4, 2026 the Ventura County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation honoring the artists behind the Moon Ditch Mural Project, which transformed a flood control channel into one of the largest murals in the United States and a lasting celebration of Ventura County’s natural environment.
The proclamation recognizes Lead Artist Elisa Torres and artists Josh Burns, MB Hanrahan, Kyle Navarro, Dameon Pearson, Monika Petroczy, Andrew Rodriguez, and Jen Swain, along with student artists Monica Estrada, Brian Pena, and Abilene Espinosa, for the vision, talent, and mentorship they brought to the project. Under their leadership, more than 200 community volunteers became co-creators of the mural, fostering civic pride, environmental stewardship, and meaningful connection among residents across the county.
The County expressed its sincere appreciation to the artists for their lasting contribution to Ventura County’s cultural landscape and wished them continued success in inspiring communities through their art.
