PAINTING WESTCHESTER
From the Hometown News:
David Russell’s murals connect community and history
If you’ve spent any time in Westchester, you’re sure to have seen the colorful mark of muralist David Russell. From the soaring “Welcome to Westchester” mural that can be seen from LAX’s runway, to the youth-inspired design at the local YMCA, to his most recent work at Tomat, David has transformed blank walls into vibrant canvases that bring this community’s story to life.
A senior lecturer at both LMU and Otis College of Art & Design (where he earned his Master’s degree), Westchester resident David has built his career around public art. For him, murals are more than decoration, they’re about connection.
“Public art has the potential to give or connect people to their community,” he says. “Most of my murals reflect the identity of the neighborhoods they serve. They become landmarks, something people feel at home with.”
Celebrating Local Icons Through Murals
David’s murals are rich with symbolism, history, and a sense of place. He often involves students and neighbors in workshops, to ensure the work reflects their voices and memories, not just his own. That collaborative spirit shows up most clearly in three large-scale Westchester landmarks.