Los Gatos Forbes Mill Footbridge Murals to Be Re-Dedicated

Murals painted by Los Gatos youth that reflect the history and character of Los Gatos will be celebrated at a re-dedication ceremony at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 3.

The Forbes Mill Footbridge Mural project began in 1994, with 156 panels painted between 1996 and 1998.

Refurbishment of the panels began in 2002 to replace those that had chipped, cracked or had been vandalized over the years, the town said in a press release.

Los Gatos Patch had documented the damage done to the art work on the footbridge by featuring it in its weekly Patch Wach column. The structure spans Highway 17 and links Forbes Mill and Old Town.

In 2010, the Los Gatos Arts and Culture Commission launched a plan to replace the panels, the town said in a written press release.

Many of the panels were in poor condition due to graffiti and effects of time and weather.

In addition, the Commission wanted to provide the opportunity for other Los Gatos children to experience the thrill of having their artwork featured on the bridge, the release stated.

With the approval of the Los Gatos Town Council, the Commission worked with Los Gatos Saratoga Recreation to offer this opportunity to youth enrolled in the LGS Recreation summer 2012 art workshop.

Twenty-three children produced artwork that was then captured digitally and transferred to vinyl panels. Four of the existing panels were also reproduced.

The 27 panels represent the first of several phases that will eventually replace all of the panels on the bridge, with the next phase set to be created in the LGS Recreation 2013 art workshop, the release added.

The Commission will be joined by Council members and representatives from Los Gatos Saratoga Recreation, town staff and some of the participating youth and their families for the re-dedication event on the Forbes Mill Footbridge at the end closest to Old Town Center.

RELATED COVERAGE:

• Forbes Mill Footbridge Youth Art Panels Added to Library Database
• Patch Watch: Graffiti on Forbes Mill Footbridge
• Forbes Mill Footbridge Art Revitalization Being Considered