​Brightly-painted artwork created by National City students and community members is going up on display on the fence enclosing one of our natural gas riser facilities in National City. Natural gas risers help regulate the flow of natural gas to 891,000 homes and businesses in our region who rely on the fuel to heat their water, cook, and power industries.

The artwork consists of vibrant, stylized representations of wildlife painted on large panels, including a bird, a dolphin, a racoon, and a mountain lion. This past Saturday, National City residents gathered to celebrate the six-month project. As part of the celebration, attendees painted rocks and other elements that will be integrated into the site.

Some of the artwork has been installed on the fence. Full installation of the artwork is expected to be completed in the near future.  ​

Engaging the community in creating an artistic vision

This beautification project is the result of a unique collaboration between SDG&E and a community-based youth development and arts organization called A Reason to Survive (ARTS).

To develop the themes of the artwork for the National City project, ARTS held a series of community design workshops with residents, artists and students from Rancho De La Nacion Elementary School. The themes chosen were focused on wildlife, including birds, marine mammals, and land animals found in and near San Diego Bay. The frames were created using art styles from indigenous and Chicano cultures

Based in a 20,000-square-foot space in National City, ARTS’ mission is to inspire youth to become catalysts for positive change in their communities through arts education, creative skill building, and community development efforts. Over the years, ARTS has accomplished a series of community beautification projects in National City, from community gathering places to abandoned storefronts to schools and public facilities. The organization uses these projects as an opportunity to engage and educate interns, volunteers and budding artists in community art.

More information

Learn more about community beautification projects completed by ARTS here.

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