George Floyd mural created on Santa Barbara wall
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - An image of George Floyd is being painted as part of a mural on the side of a Santa Barbara building wall.
The art work is being created by Griffin Lounsbury and Chadillac Green Westmoreland.
He is halfway through the project. He hopes to complete it Tuesday.
The words, "Please, I can't breathe" are painted next to Floyd.
The death of Floyd this week in Minneapolis during a police stop has sparked outrage throughout the U.S. including marches, rallies, riots and civil disobedience.
Santa Barbara had a peaceful rally Sunday at the historic courthouse attended by a crowd of over 3000. It was followed by a march with no major problems.
A heavy police presence was in the area, mainly by the Santa Barbara Police Department headquarters.
The building is the home of the EOS nightclub. EOS owner Bix Kaufman says they had planned to have public art there this year, possibly famous DJ's who have passed, but in the past week, the Floyd image quickly became the project.
"We don't stand for racism of any kind," said Kaufman who has a popular club in the downtown entertainment area. Prior to COVID-19 issues it was common for EOS to have a line to get in on several nights.
He also said he stands with peaceful events in Santa Barbara, and is saddened by the destruction he sees in Santa Monica and downtown Los Angeles where he has strong personal ties.
Kaufman hopes the public comes by to see the image of Floyd his week and beyond. He will also be posting any other information on the EOS instagram site.
Recently EOS offered its back lot for a collection of clothing and health items for those who have been displaced or set back by the COVID crisis. He is working closely with the outreach group called Adam's Angels.
