#KEEPNOHOARTSY

We love it when locally owned establishments join the community and integrate art into their business in any way they can. After all, why did they choose the NoHo Arts District? Because it’s an arts district! So they must appreciate the arts, right? The neighborhood has worked hard for 20 years to build and maintain a strong arts community and appreciates businesses that give back to the community that gives to them. It’s our job as a nieghborhood to #KeepNoHoArtsy.

The Lexen Hotel North Hollywood has done a fantastic job of incorporating unique, artistic features throughout their boutique hotel. One feature is their ode to the past and future of the NoHo Arts District with their mural by artist Lisa Kelly called “The Lankershim Mural.” Did you know that North Hollywood was the first Valley neighborhood and it was called Lankershim?

Let’s chat with Lisa, the one who gave us this new piece of public art! 

How many murals have you done?

How many? Too many to count. I’ve been painting murals since 1993ish and I’ve painted over 100 restaurants, 13 schools, 3 museums, 2 shopping centers, some churches, lots of business and private homes.

Any favorites?

Favorites…… that always has to be the one I’m currently working on. But I really enjoyed the Lankershim Blvd mural. (It’s probably the one mural that I’ve done that’s closest to what my own personal paintings look like)

Why did you choose the subject for the murals at The Lexen?

I was contracted to do that by Victor. It was all his vision. I just got to play with it.

How did they choose you?

I had painted for a friend of Victors. So word of mouth.

What’s your art background?

I took some art classes in junior college. My first job out of high school was mass producing paintings for furniture stores and hotel rooms. Hahaha. They paid piece work so I learn quick how to paint fast.

How did you first start painting murals?

I was showing my paintings at a art walk in Ventura and a man was asking about one of my paintings. We got to talking and ended up I painted for him and his wife for about the next year, off and on. Totally covered their home.

If you could paint a mural on a public place in the NoHo Arts District, what would it be?

I would love to paint one of my original paintings of animal musicians on some big wall in NoHo, the back of the El Portal Theater is screaming for something magical to be painted on it.

What advice would you give to new artists in L.A.?

Advice to new to LA artists. Paint, and paint a lot. Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone…. and paint all the time. One job can lead you to the next and you never know where that might lead too.

Stay up to date with Lisa on Instagram: Lisakellymurals 

#KeepNoHoArtsy

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