Production of a new Mermaid and Marine Life Mural by Julisa Mugica on the waterfront walk by the Raritan Yacht Club has been underway since May.

The Perth Amboy City Council unanimously approved the project for a beautiful new mural to be ready in time for the big America 250 summer celebrations planned in the City. Raritan Yacht Club gave permission to paint the mural on their wall and their members have been very supportive of the project.

Local nonprofit Perth Amboy Artworks commissioned the 660 sqft mural, and planned the project to be iconic nautical which artist Julisa Mugica designed featuring a giant mermaid and aquatic life. Rosemary Nivar served as the project coordinator for Perth Amboy Artworks, and helped to bring the artist onboard and recruit interns.

The Perth Amboy Arts Council approved the project, and member Greg Bender said, “The piece is perfect for the location by the historic Raritan Yacht Club, one of the oldest clubs in the nation and showcases part of our nautical history.”

Mermaids are deeply rooted in nautical history and maritime folklore. They are iconic figures in sailor legends. For centuries they served as navigational warnings for treacherous waters, and were recorded in logs of famous explorers and influenced the design of seafaring vessels. Historically tales of mermaids were treated with surprising seriousness by early seafarers. Historic nautical maps include warnings of “mermaid lairs” to keep ships out of dangerous zones. Mermaids were carved on the prows of ships, and were symbols of good luck.

The mural is in a high foot traffic area and people of all ages have enjoyed seeing the mural installed. Children run up and point at the sea creatures, including a sea turtle, manta ray, sting ray, whales, and jelly fish. These ancient sea creatures are all seen in Raritan Bay, with a whale sighting just this week. And everyone marvels over the beauty of the giant mermaid. Celebrated muralist and painter Solange Pena, chair of the Perth Amboy Arts Council, advised on the project development and also helped with the mural installation and painted the incredible manta ray.

The project provided the opportunity to learn the art of mural making by high school interns working with the lead artist on the production. Crizaira Moreno served as a project intern, and her parents were incredibly proud of her. “My girl Crizayra we are very proud to have you as our daughter” her mother Cristina said. “Our hope is that this mural project with intern opportunities becomes a model and helps to launch a mural arts program in our City” said Perth Amboy Artworks founder Caroline Pozycki.

The vibrant joyful mural showcases the talent of our community. Artist Julisa Mugica grew up in Perth Amboy and her parents noticed at a very young age her talent for drawing. She went on to get a degree in Fine Arts in Painting from New Jersey City University.

Julisa Mugica became a portrait and mural artist with extensive experience creating commissioned artwork for both public and private clients throughout Perth Amboy. She is recognized for expressive portrait work, large-scale murals, and strong community involvement through the arts. She completed multiple commissioned portraits for the City of Perth Amboy and various individual clients, while also contributing to the city’s cultural landscape through public mural projects.

In addition to professional studio practice, she has served as an art instructor for classes at the Perth Amboy Gallery Center for the Arts, helping to inspire and mentor developing artists in the community.

The new mural is set to be completed today July 1, and plans are underway to celebrate the mural with a ribbon cutting and party hosted by Perth Amboy Artworks at the Raritan Yacht Club! Details coming soon! Meet the artist, and network with other artists in the community!

This summer take a walk down to the waterfront and enjoy this beautiful new work of art!