Osos Mural Restoration Project
A History of Murals in
Los Osos
“La Cañada de Los Osos Community Mural” (1989) was indeed a community mural. Its purpose was, and remains, to celebrate the distinctive character of this special area. During the first European expedition into Alta California (led by Gaspar de Portolá in 1769), our valley was named “ravine of the bears” because of the soldiers’ memorable encounters here with the California grizzly--Ursus arctos californicus. The ferocious bears were huge, and the standing grizzly depicted in the mural is life-sized.
The Los Osos-Baywood Park community came together in all aspects of the production of this mural. Funds were raised completely within the local community. Funding was overseen by a group that soon thereafter formed a non-profit, public benefit corporation solely devoted to public art projects in Los Osos and Baywood
Park.
Local muralist Janice Sharman-Hand designed and supervised the actual painting, which was begun in August of 1989 and involved the participation of over 150 local citizens, paint brushes in hand!
“La Cañada de Los Osos Community Mural” represents the Los Osos Valley before human contact. The next mural sponsored by the Los Osos Community Organization, “Chumash Bear Dance Community Mural” (1990), moves forward chronologically to the settlement of the valley by humans. “Portolá’s Sacred Expedition Community Mural” (1992) portrays our small community at first European contact.
If you would like to help preserve Los Osos murals, please consider contributing to their restoration, and perhaps even to the design and painting of new ones!
About our Artist
Manuel Cruz III
Manuel Cruz III is a versatile and meticulous muralist and decorative painter based in California. Originally from Oklahoma City, he relocated to California in 1987, where he quickly expanded his expertise across visual expression—spanning Trompe L’œil, impressionism, decorative finishes, portraits, and large-scale murals. Self‑taught and client-focused, Cruz works on both commercial and residential projects, delivering everything from faux finishes to elaborate ceiling scenes, portrait commissions, and immersive architectural enhancements.
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Cruz’s murals grace public spaces throughout California. Notably, in 2018, he created a three story mermaid mural "Touching souls with art and heart" along Cliff Drive in Capitola, integrating community spirit into his creative practice. He also recently undertook repainting of the historic “Delivery at the Cottage Hotel” mural in Cayucos.
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Drawing praise for his professionalism and artistry, clients and collaborators describe him as "a gem of a human being," a perfectionist who continually exceeds expectations. His body of work spans trompe l’œil façades, vineyard scenes, cherubs, fantasy murals, hospital installations, children’s themes, and more.
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Cruz emphasizes a passion for producing “stimulating and provocative art works that will be satisfying ... to both the client and myself." When visitors view his portfolio, they encounter elegant French‑style dining murals, lifelike portraits, charming children’s murals, and breathtaking scenic landscapes—all testaments to his skill and creative breadth.
Through both restoration projects and original installations, Manuel Cruz III continues to enrich California (and beyond’s) visual culture with technically masterful, emotionally resonant murals that delight and inspire.
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