“I was looking to get back toward more creative work,” explains Ian Stiles-Mikl. An Instagram post led the local artist to a volunteer opportunity with ArtReach San Diego’s mural program right down the block from where he lives.
“That led to a community paint day, and from there, I just kept getting more involved (with ArtReach),” says the muralist and facilities coordinator with the nonprofit. ArtReach is dedicated to increasing access to visual arts education for young people, particularly those in underserved communities.
Through the creative collaboration, Ian recently brought a new landmark to life in Clairemont and Bay Park’s Morena Blvd., the most recent beautification project on one of San Diego Gas & Electric’s (SDG&E®) properties.
“I saw the project as an opportunity to craft a visual story that resonated with the community,” says Ian.
The recently completed mural, a visually striking blend of topographical elements and natural landscapes, exemplifies the power of public art in connecting neighborhoods, preserving local identity, and beautifying shared spaces.
“Community is the heart of the ArtReach mural program,” Ian says. When it comes to his creations, this belief is non-negotiable: “We don’t want to create artwork for neighborhoods if it doesn’t reflect the local community; if they don’t feel represented or if they don’t feel connected to it, then we haven’t done our job.”
Originally from New York, Ian earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn before moving to San Diego eight years ago. While he initially worked in the 3D-printing industry, his passion for creative, community-driven projects led him to ArtReach.
The nonprofit operates three key programs: in-school education, community workshops, and a mural program that collaborates with schools and neighborhoods to create meaningful public art.
Ian set out to create a design that balanced the inland identity of Clairemont with the coastal proximity of Bay Park.
The Morena Blvd. project, which transformed the SDG&E multi-purpose lot into a vibrant community focal point, stemmed from a partnership between ArtReach and SDG&E.
For this project, gathering community input was a crucial first step.
“We set up an input session in Clairemont with help from the Clairemont Town Council and SDG&E,” Skiles said. “We also sent out a design input form through the council’s newsletter to get as much feedback as possible.”
Themes of nature quickly emerged, with residents expressing a strong connection to local canyons, topographical elements, and native wildlife.
"They see themselves in it"
Projects like the Morena Blvd. mural demonstrate how public art can go beyond aesthetics, fostering a sense of ownership and pride within the community.
“When the painting is up, people feel connected to it,” explains Ian. “Whether they helped shape the design or had a hand in painting, they see themselves in it.”
SDG&E’s commitment to neighborhood beautification and helping to empower the communities we serve highlights how partnerships between corporations and nonprofit organizations can create lasting, positive impacts on public spaces.
This is not the first time SDG&E and ArtReach have worked together—last year, they completed a similar beautification project in Rolando, installing a mural on aluminum panels at an SDG&E substation.