SAXIPAKE'ET: Once Upon a Time - Stories of Port Hueneme
A Landmark Public Art Project Part of the City’s 75th-anniversary celebration and public art initiative, this mural represents a significant investment in cultural enrichment. The project, funded by the City of Port Hueneme and the Port of Hueneme Community Benefit Fund, complements enhancements to the Ray D. Prueter Library and the adjacent Richard Bard Bubbling Springs Park.
Mobile Mural Lab was selected to bring to life a vibrant mural that honors Port Hueneme’s rich past, thriving present, and innovative future. Inspired by maritime and cultural narratives, the mural depicts stories of the Chumash people, the Port’s environmental innovations, and the community's resilience and diversity.
A Vision for Community and Youth Engagement This project reflects Mobile Mural Lab’s vision to include youth mentorship in their public art initiatives. The Port Hueneme City Council championed the importance of nurturing emerging artists and ensuring the project fosters education, skill development and inspiration for the next generation of creatives. The mural internship represents a rare opportunity for a young artist to contribute their talents while gaining mentorship from established artists.
Mural Artists Renee Fox and David Russell of Mobile Mural Lab: Frequent visitors to Port Hueneme and known for their community-driven approach, Fox and Russell create art that fosters dialogue, inclusivity, and hope. They are committed to extensive research and engagement to ensure their murals authentically reflect the communities they serve.
Artist intern Angela Batoon: Through an open call for applicants, Ventura County-based artist and CSU Channel Islands student Batoon was selected based on her compelling work that speaks to her culture and community. Her perspective as a local, Filipina visual artist brings additional depth to the project.
About the Design The mural design centers on the theme of the City of Port Hueneme as a gateway city between land and sea. Anchored by a Chumash Tomol (canoe), the design highlights indigenous symbols, flora and fauna, maritime presence and innovations, and ecological sustainability. The piece incorporates the phrase “saxipake’et” meaning “Once Upon a Time” in the Chumash language. Iconic imagery such as Monarch butterflies, native Cedros Island Verbena and California Poppy flowers, a Great Blue Heron, a Naval compass rose, and silhouettes of the Port’s clean energy cranes pay tribute to the city’s commitment to cultural, maritime, and environmental stewardship.
The following elements in the mural each possess symbolism referencing stories of Port Hueneme’s past, present and future.
1. The Snowy Plover is a symbol of Port Hueneme’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
This migratory shorebird's beachfront habitat is protected by the Ventura Audubon Society’s Shorebird Recovery Program.
2. Western Monarch butterflies typically migrate to Port Hueneme for their overwintering season, late October to February.
They symbolize transformation and coastal migration, while also reflecting the region's rich local flora and fauna.
3. Sand Dollar seashells were utilized as both currency and decoration in the historic Chumash culture, symbolizing the vital role the Port played in their commerce.
4. Ocean wave graphics were designed to accent the library’s architecture and pay homage to the Pacific Ocean and Port Hueneme’s beach community.
5. Abalone seashells were utilized as both currency and decoration in the historic Chumash culture, symbolizing the vital role the Port played in their commerce.
6. Tomols, traditional Chumash vessels, once sailed between the coast and Channel Islands with their "ears" often adorned with abalone shells.
Here, the tomol symbolizes Port Hueneme’s enduring role in maritime trade.
7. California poppies, the State/local flower, highlight Port Hueneme’s significance as a quintessential California coastal city, known for its natural beauty and recreation.
8. Native Cedros Island Verbena is a noteworthy plant for gardeners in Port Hueneme; it supports local pollinator populations, contributing to a healthier ecosystem.
9. The Naval Compass Rose is key to maritime navigation, helping mariners plot courses and bearings accurately at sea. It symbolizes Port Hueneme’s deep connection to ships and their crews.
10. One of the most regal local sea birds, the Great Blue Heron symbolizes Port Hueneme, its maritime ecology, preservation of natural wetlands and the local environment.
11. The silhouettes of eco-friendly Port Shipping Cranes embody Port Hueneme’s dedication to a sustainable future, reflecting its commitment to green technology and ocean conservation.
12. Translated from Chumash as “Once Upon a Time,” saxipake'et is the mural’s title and represents the wealth of stories accessible through the library.