“Mr. Encinitas” mural will be unveiled at a holiday open house on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at the Encinitas Visitor Center.
The community can meet the artists who painted the mural, which highlights all the city has to offer and honors the late Encinitas resident and philanthropist Edgar Engert, known locally as “Mr. Encinitas.”
Free community event from 5:30 to 8 p.m. will feature holiday food, such as hors d’oeuvres and sugarplum treats, bubbly and music, along with a sculpture drawing and a chance to meet local artists from the 101 Artists’ Colony who created and donated “Mr. Encinitas” mural.
Engert, who is featured in the mural, among the beach town’s favorite images, was known for his efforts to bring Oktoberfest to Encinitas as a way to share his German heritage. He is also credited with starting the Encinitas Holiday Parade to bring the community together.
After moving to the Encinitas area in the late 1960s, Engert was involved in local nonprofit organizations ranging from the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce, the Encinitas Rotary Club and the San Diego Botanical Garden to the San Dieguito Heritage Museum and the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA.
After serving the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA for 40 years, including as a longtime board member and volunteer, he received the San Diego County YMCA’s Golden Triangle Award for Distinguished Service, honoring his outstanding service. He died last year at the age of 84.
Artists who collaborated on the artwork include Isabella Weaver, Marina Alberti, Brynja Rotsheck, Zak Weaver, Lee Rotsheck and Julie Ann Stricklin. At 6:30 p.m., the artists and “Mr. Encinitas” will be revealed.
Local artist Danny Salzhandler, of Biosculpture and Steel Life, will create a sculpture that will be raffled off and the winner will be announced at 7 p.m.
Participants will receive a free mural poster. Postcards featuring the murals will be sold along with other Encinitas-branded merchandise.
The Encinitas Visitors Center is located inside the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce at 535 Encinitas Blvd.
For more information, visit encinitasvisitorscenter.com.
