The Laemmle Theater in Old Town Newhall has unveiled two captivating murals that celebrate the rich history and culture of Santa Clarita.

The southern mural, “Old Town New Town,” and the northern mural, “Cowboy in California/Vaquero en Alta California,” were both designed and painted by Vanessa Harding, a CalArts alumni. She collaborated with Zermillion, a well-known muralist from Los Angeles, for technical assistance in executing the large-scale project.

“Old Town New Town” offers a visual narrative that bridges Santa Clarita’s past and present, highlighting the evolution of the community over time. Harding, who both lives and works in Newhall, found deep inspiration in the landscape around her, bringing a personal touch to the artwork, reflecting both historical and contemporary elements of the city.

 “It’s a collage of sorts, showing different times of Newhall, old western buildings, 1950s cars, even the old pharmacy that is now Old Town Junction,” Harding explained.

The title itself plays on the town’s changing identity over time, balancing nostalgia with modernity.

Left: “Old Town New Town” Right: “Cowboy in California/Vaquero en Alta California”

On the northern side, “Cowboy in California/Vaquero en Alta California” pays homage to the region’s Western heritage. The mural captures the essence of the cowboy and vaquero traditions that have been integral to California’s history, celebrating the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the state.

Rather than depicting a specific figure, Harding wanted to leave the cowboy’s identity open to interpretation. 

“Newhall is known for cowboys, of course, William S. Hart, but I didn’t want to do another portrait of him,” said Harding. “I wanted to lean-in to the history of Newhall, how long it’s been a cowboy town, California used to be Mexico and that was my inspiration.”

 

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The journey to securing the mural project was not a short one. Laemmle Theaters put out a call to artists for applications. Harding first submitted her application in December 2023, competing against approximately 100 other applicants. 

From there, the selection process narrowed the field to 10 semi-finalists.: 

“I wasn’t notified until May 2024, so there was at least a five-month period of just like, ‘Ahhh’” Harding recalled the agonizing wait.  

When she finally received the call, Harding cried. 

“This is such a huge opportunity and I was so grateful and still am so grateful and it felt surreal,” said Harding. 

Harding, primarily a painter, had never worked on a mural before. She leaned on Zermillion’s experience, particularly with outdoor murals. 

“He did the Nipsey Hussle Court in Crenshaw, which is a huge basketball court painting on the ground that people have to walk on, so it has to be durable, it has to be weatherproof, it has to be heatproof, and so I knew that I could combine my painting skills and his knowledge of how to make the paint stay on a big surface,” Harding said. “I couldn’t have done it without him.”

The two worked tirelessly for months, often pulling 15-hour shifts. Harding even adjusted her schedule to work overnight, sleeping in her car in the Newhall parking lot to maximize working time.

 

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The mural process came with challenges, including rain delays and the logistical difficulties of working on a 40-foot wall. 

“The sidewalk was so small, and to encroach onto the road would have been really expensive. We had to figure out how to get to the top of the mural safely.” Harding recalled. Despite the hurdles, the project was completed in early January.

For Harding, the project represents more than just a career milestone. 

“I think my favorite part about this project is the community aspect,” said Harding. “I work here, live here, went to school here. I can go to so many small businesses and see people I know that would congratulate me. They’d honk when they’d drive by, check in on the progress. I felt very empowered and connected and that’s been the most beautiful part to me.”

With these two striking murals, Harding has cemented her place in Newhall’s artistic landscape, providing residents and visitors alike to engage with Santa Clarita’s storied past and vibrant present. The addition of these artworks underscores the city’s commitment to supporting the arts and honoring its heritage.

As for aspiring artists, Harding’s advice is simple: “If you’re an artist, show up. Just paint, and then paint again and again. It’s hard, there’s a lot of self-doubt, but you have to keep going.”

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