Jewish UCSD Student Volunteers Beautify La Jolla

Editor's Note: Hillel of San Diego submitted the following post to Patch on Sept. 5, 2012.

Gwen Diamond, a 2012 graduate of and volunteer with Hillel of San Diego at UCSD, led a group of fellow students to beautify a small piece of La Jolla that residents and visitors can now enjoy.

The public utility box on the southwest corner of La Jolla Village Drive and Torrey Pines Road has been transformed from an unsightly box into a beautiful, colorful work of art.

“The design was inspired by traditional Jewish art and designs,” says Diamond, “which I feel expresses aspects of Jewish culture, history, and spirit. The main aspects of the design, being the dove and Jerusalem skyline, are recurring themes which resonate with the Jewish spirit. They represent the ancient roots of our tradition and the sense of belonging and hope which our community brings us.”

Diamond worked with the Union of Jewish Students Art Committee during the 2011-12 academic year to design and paint the utility box as part of a broader effort funded and coordinated through The Green Initiative Fund and Art Community Club funds of the Associated Students at UCSD.

“The inspiration for the piece as an act not only of public art but also of visibly expressing and celebrating Jewish life came from the Jewish community at UCSD,” explains Diamond. “I cannot imagine what my experience at UCSD would have been without the love and support of a dedicated and lively Jewish community on campus. It is my hope to have expressed some of the peace and joy I have learned here through artwork inspired by the colorful culture of our people.”

The location of the utility box is also significant, as Diamond explains.

“It is also my hope that one day this community will be able to enjoy this public art from a Hillel house on the nearby property.”