Millard Sheets Mosaic to be Dedicated Nov. 2.

The “El Camino Real” mosaic by California artist Millard Sheets will be formally dedicated on Sat., Nov. 2, at a public celebration that includes mariachi music and refreshments.

The mosaic, installed earlier this year above the Civic Center parking structure, was recently designated a historic landmark by the Beverly Hills City Council. 

Installation of the mural was funded through the Public Art Fund. The free dedication ceremony will take place Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. in front of the Library, 444 N. Rexford Drive. If attending, use the Civic Center entrance to the parking structure.

“The Fine Art Commission is thrilled that this superb piece of art is now being seen and appreciated by hundreds of people each day,” said Fine Art Commission Chair Fiona Chalom. “We are proud to play a role in preserving the Millard Sheets legacy for our community.”

The dedication ceremony is sponsored by JP Morgan Chase, which owns numerous bank branches designed by Millard Sheets. Chase’s experience maintaining their own mosaics was instrumental in the City’s successful efforts to restore and install “El Camino Real.”

In the 1950s, Sheets (1907-1989) designed the buildings, including the mosaics for dozens of branch offices for Home Savings and Loan Association. Many of those offices were eventually acquired by Chase. Two other Millard Sheets mosaics are located on Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills.

“Sheets was an influential artist, designer and educator who made an important contribution to the postwar Southern California landscape with mid-century designs that integrated art and architecture,” said Lassiter. “As a Beverly Hills resident and graduate of Scripps College – where Sheets taught -- I am pleased to recognize his great achievement.”

The “El Camino Real” mosaic originally hung in the motor court of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

It measures approximately 15’ x 31’ and depicts an early California scene of people and horses in a forest setting. The piece was removed in 1987 and presented to the city as a gift, but was in storage until early 2013.