{"id":266640,"date":"2026-04-14T03:23:15","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T03:23:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/266640\/"},"modified":"2026-04-14T03:23:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T03:23:15","slug":"local-artists-bring-color-creativity-to-the-grand-prix-of-long-beach-daily-bulletin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/266640\/","title":{"rendered":"Local artists bring color, creativity to the Grand Prix of Long Beach \u2013 Daily Bulletin"},"content":{"rendered":"

As thousands of people make their way around the street circuit of this year\u2019s Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, they will be greeted by colorful artwork made by local artists that encapsulate the historic race and the city\u2019s culture.<\/p>\n

These murals put Long Beach\u2019s creative spirit on full display.<\/p>\n

Organizers of the Grand Prix of Long Beach partnered with nonprofit Creative Class Collective to have eight local artists complete murals on three of the event\u2019s pedestrian bridges along Shoreline Drive. This was an effort to beautify the racetrack ahead of race weekend, which will take place from Friday to Sunday.<\/p>\n

The new public art initiative turns raceway infrastructure into vibrant canvases that feature iconic local landmarks, such as the World Famous VIP Records sign, the Queen Mary and the Pike\u2019s roller coaster and Ferris wheel, as well as notable characters from racing video games and movies like \u201cSuper Mario,\u201d \u201cSpeed Racer\u201d and \u201cSonic the Hedgehog.\u201d<\/p>\n

Each mural showcases the artists\u2019 signature style, talent and creativity.<\/p>\n

Creative Class Collective<\/a>, known for its work promoting accessible arts and culture, and for initiatives such as Long Beach Walls, curated the eight local artists for the project as part of its ongoing mission to elevate creators and foster community pride through public art. Over the past decade, the organization has helped transform more than 150 blank walls and public spaces throughout Long Beach into works of art, officials said.<\/p>\n

\u201cPublic art has the power to transform spaces and bring communities together,\u201d Blair Cohn, executive director of Creative Class Collective, said in a statement, \u201cespecially during high-octane events like the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe tapped local Long Beach artists to create several dynamic murals on the pedestrian bridges, turning overlooked infrastructure into vibrant canvases that capture the spirit of the race and our city\u2019s creative pulse,\u201d Cohn said. \u201cSeeing these works come to life amid the roar of racing engines reinforces what we are building toward every day in Long Beach: incredible artists whose work inspires cultural connection, celebration and pride in our spaces.\u201d<\/p>\n

The mural project was designed to celebrate Long Beach\u2019s homegrown talent on one of Southern California\u2019s biggest stages, creating a visual connection between the city\u2019s thriving arts community and its signature international sporting event, according to a news release from the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach.<\/p>\n

The pedestrian bridges weren\u2019t smooth canvases to work on and some artists had to tackle the more than 200-foot bridges going across Shoreline, but they said this was a challenge they were ready to take on.<\/p>\n

\"Artists,<\/p>\n

Artists, LaJon Miller, left, who painted the butterflies, and Isidro \u201cSansone\u201d Bermudez walk down one of the painted pedestrian bridges on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach partnered with Long Beach-based nonprofit Creative Class Collective to commission a series of special murals on three of the event\u2019s pedestrian bridges. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Artist,<\/p>\n

Artist, D. \u201cZ\u201d Brooks stands next to his mural of a sea turtle in a pedestrian bridge on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach partnered with Long Beach-based nonprofit Creative Class Collective to commission a series of special murals on three of the event\u2019s pedestrian bridges. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Artist,<\/p>\n

Artist, Jamiene \u201cDLUX\u201d Andreozzi stands next to her mural of a dolphin on a pedestrian bridge on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach partnered with Long Beach-based nonprofit Creative Class Collective to commission a series of special murals on three of the event\u2019s pedestrian bridges. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Artist,<\/p>\n

Artist, Jose \u201cDooms\u201d Pedroza, wearing his paint speckled sunglasses on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach partnered with Long Beach-based nonprofit Creative Class Collective to commission a series of special murals on three of the event\u2019s pedestrian bridges. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Artist,<\/p>\n

Artist, Jamiene \u201cDLUX\u201d Andreozzi\u2019s mural of checkered flags in a pedestrian bridge on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach partnered with Long Beach-based nonprofit Creative Class Collective to commission a series of special murals on three of the event\u2019s pedestrian bridges. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Artist,<\/p>\n

Artist, D. \u201cZ\u201d Brooks stands next to his mural in a pedestrian bridge on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach partnered with Long Beach-based nonprofit Creative Class Collective to commission a series of special murals on three of the event\u2019s pedestrian bridges. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"One<\/p>\n

One of artist, LaJon Miller\u2019s murals, photographed on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach partnered with Long Beach-based nonprofit Creative Class Collective to commission a series of special murals on three of the event\u2019s pedestrian bridges. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Artist,<\/p>\n

Artist, Jamiene \u201cDLUX\u201d Andreozzi walks next to her mural of a female racer in a pedestrian bridge on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach partnered with Long Beach-based nonprofit Creative Class Collective to commission a series of special murals on three of the event\u2019s pedestrian bridges. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Artist,<\/p>\n

Artist, Jose \u201cDooms\u201d Pedroza\u2019s mural of \u201cSpeed Racer\u201d, photographed on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach partnered with Long Beach-based nonprofit Creative Class Collective to commission a series of special murals on three of the event\u2019s pedestrian bridges. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Artist,<\/p>\n

Artist, LaJon Miller\u2019s mural that includes the name Long Beach, photographed on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach partnered with Long Beach-based nonprofit Creative Class Collective to commission a series of special murals on three of the event\u2019s pedestrian bridges. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Artist,<\/p>\n

Artist, LaJon Miller\u2019s mural that includes the name Long Beach, photographed on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach partnered with Long Beach-based nonprofit Creative Class Collective to commission a series of special murals on three of the event\u2019s pedestrian bridges. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Artist,<\/p>\n

Artist, Jose \u201cDooms\u201d Pedroza\u2019s mural of an Acura racing photographed on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach partnered with Long Beach-based nonprofit Creative Class Collective to commission a series of special murals on three of the event\u2019s pedestrian bridges. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

1 of 12<\/p>\n

Artists, LaJon Miller, left, who painted the butterflies, and Isidro \u201cSansone\u201d Bermudez walk down one of the painted pedestrian bridges on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach partnered with Long Beach-based nonprofit Creative Class Collective to commission a series of special murals on three of the event\u2019s pedestrian bridges. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a><\/p>\n

One of the bridges featured the work of Eric Michael Rauseo<\/a>, a Venezuelan American painter and visual artist whose work explores color, form and cultural memory, and Roshi<\/a>, whose work focuses on themes of transformation, illumination and personal narrative.<\/p>\n

Although Rauseo has not been to the Grand Prix before, he was elated to participate in the project, knowing how significant the event is for many families and the energy it brings to Long Beach. His mural features local iconography, like the VIP Records sign, as well as several characters from racing video games.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy overall inspiration for this design was to be able to bring forth that nostalgic and kid appeal,\u201d Rauseo said. \u201cIt was a way for me to bridge the age gap, literally. It was one of the ways to showcase the old with the new because obviously with \u2018Super Mario\u2019 being prominent now with the new movies but those kids that are into \u2018Super Mario\u2019 may not play \u2018Crash Bandicoot\u2019 or may not know who \u2018Speed Racer\u2019 is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Into the mural, he also added a reimaged \u201cSpeed Racer\u201d character that features his daughter and her puppy. This was one of his favorite parts of the mural, Rauseo said, as he was able to bring them \u201calong for the ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to it being a challenge to work on the texture of the pedestrian bridges\u2019 wall, Rauseo was also challenged with using a different art method than what he is used to. He said he usually works on his murals using a paint brush, but had to learn how to use spray paint to be able to get the art done on time, with help from other local artist friends as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s one of those notches on your belt and feels like you\u2019ve earned another badge,\u201d Rauseo said about the project. \u201cIt\u2019s an honor to be able to be part of such a\u00a0 huge event and be able to showcase the way my brain works and the creativity that I\u2019m able to have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Artist,Artist, Jose \u201cDooms\u201d Pedroza, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, stands next to his mural honoring Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President & CEO Jim Michaelian, who died on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach partnered with Long Beach-based nonprofit Creative Class Collective to commission a series of special murals on three of the event\u2019s pedestrian bridges. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News\/SCNG)<\/p>\n

The four artists who took on the challenge of working on the 200-foot bridges were D. \u201cZ\u201d Brooks, Isidro \u201cSansone\u201d Bermudez, Jamiene \u201cDLUX\u201d Andreozzi, and Jose \u201cDooms\u201d Pedroza.<\/p>\n

One of the most notable parts of Pedroza\u2019s mural is a tribute to Jim Michaelian, Grand Prix of Long Beach\u2019s longtime leader, who died last month. Without prior planning, Bermudez said he had started working on monarch butterflies \u2013 which symbolize hope, spiritual growth and the souls of deceased loved ones, particularly in Mexican culture \u2013 that are placed on the side of the bridge opposite Michaelian\u2019s portrait.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s the reason why we\u2019re here in the first place,\u201d Pedroza said. \u201cIt was his idea and that\u2019s because he wanted these tunnels done.\u201d<\/p>\n

In Brooks\u2019 mural, he also paid tribute to Michaelian, added other notable Long Beach landmarks and included his style that brings back \u201970s-style graffiti art.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery year this thing gets transformed like this,\u201d Brooks said. \u201cI\u2019ve been in Long Beach for almost 26 years, and this (art) transformation like this, it\u2019s amazing and awesome.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the only female muralist to be part of the project, Andreozzi said it felt good to be part of an important project and it was not surprising that she was the only woman because the art form of spray paint murals is male-dominated. Her mural featured lots of bright colors and characters, such as dolphins, palm trees and even a female race car driver.<\/p>\n

The third bridge was worked on by Steve Martinez, a muralist, fine artist and curator known for blending traditional painting techniques with contemporary architectural elements and cultural symbolism; and LaJon Miller, a muralist whose vibrant work celebrates color, culture, storytelling and resilience.<\/p>\n

\"Artist,Artist, Lajon Miller, stands next to his mural of a rollercoaster at the Pike, photographed on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach partnered with Long Beach-based nonprofit Creative Class Collective to commission a series of special murals on three of the event\u2019s pedestrian bridges. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News\/SCNG)<\/p>\n

Miller\u2019s bright colors and designs are immediately recognizable to Long Beach residents. Some of his works can be seen near the Billie Jean King Main Library and other places around the downtown area. His pedestrian bridge mural features the Lions Lighthouse, the Pike\u2019s roller coaster and Ferris wheel, and his signature character with pink Afro-puffs.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the first time this has ever been done, so now this is like historic, finding out that they\u2019re going to keep these up and put them up every time it\u2019s like \u2018Oh, wow,\u2019\u201d Miller said. \u201cIt adds another aesthetic.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow as you\u2019re walking,\u201d he added, \u201cthere\u2019s something beautiful and colorful to look at.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miller said he also added the word \u201cpride\u201d to his mural, as another important event that Long Beach hosts every year is the Pride Parade. He hopes that people can take the time to look for the colors that represent \u201cpride\u201d in his mural as a fun way for attendees to look at the details of his work.<\/p>\n

By incorporating large-scale public art directly into the race circuit, the Grand Prix of Long Beach and Creative Class Collective are reimagining key pedestrian spaces as immersive landmarks that will welcome fans and showcase the city\u2019s identity throughout the race weekend, organizers said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m grateful that I get to be a part of it because realizing that this started in 1975,\u201d Miller said, \u201cthat\u2019s a long time to have an event going on in this little city.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomebody told me that Long Beach is a small city pretending to be a big city but they do it really well,\u201d Miller added. \u201cIt has all the vibes of big cities but it\u2019s still a small city by the beach and we have the Grand Prix running through it. It feels really cool to be a part of something like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\t\t\t