OC Register: Reprieve for Zio Ziegler mural on Tilly's along I-405 in Irvine

IRVINE – Could the reprieve granted for the bright, intricate mural along I-405 in Irvine herald the “unbeigeing” of Irvine?

The mural, by artist Zio Ziegler, on the freeway-facing wall of the Tilly’s building along I-405, got a longer-than-expected extension this week – and has prompted talk of a potential public art program.

The Irvine Planning Commission Thursday night unanimously approved a nine-month extension for the mural. Slated to be painted over in mid-October, the mural is now safe through June 30.

Heidi Karol, who has lived in Irvine since 1991, calls the mural a “breath of fresh air” in the city.

“Irvine is beautiful. It’s very green, but it’s also very beige,” she said. “I hope (the mural) can last indefinitely.”

Irvine native Bahar Jahani, 22, said: “It adds a little bit of flavor to the city.”

Commissioner Patty Bartlett, who initially opposed the mural, joined her colleagues Thursday in approving the extension.

However, some others have written City Hall saying the mural isn’t a good fit for Irvine, city staff said.

But commission Chairman Anthony Kuo said Ziegler’s artwork has drawn positive attention to Irvine and spurred by that feedback, commission members said they plan to ask the City Council to consider establishing a public art program.

Click here to read the rest of the OC Register article.