Santa Monica Pier Painter Joey Alvarez Refreshes Beloved Compass Rose Mural at Pier’s Edge

On a sunny Monday morning, November 4, 2024, Santa Monica Closeup photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz met up with Joey Alvarez, the "Santa Monica Pier Painter," as he worked on refurbishing the compass rose mural at the west end of the Santa Monica Pier. Originally painted in 2018 by Santa Monica High School student Mimi Gaudet, the mural has been freshened up several times due to heavy foot traffic and the elements.

"This thing wears down pretty fast," Alvarez explained, attributing the fading to constant moisture from the ocean and the pier’s popularity as a photo spot. "I’ve sanded it down and wiped it clean; now, I'm working on the white outlining.” He’ll be joined later by Beach Maintenance’s Richard, who specializes in lettering, to complete the mural’s intricate interior.

A Santa Monica native and 12-year veteran of pier maintenance, Alvarez was recently recognized as "Employee of the Year." Beyond his role as the pier’s painter, Alvarez has spent nearly 30 years as a Little League coach, guiding young players through the fundamentals and spirit of the game. "I've watched a lot of these kids grow up through baseball," he shared. "It's incredible to see them go from kids on the field to adults giving back to the community."

From touching up the compass rose to coaching on the diamond, Alvarez’s dedication to Santa Monica remains a constant, weaving a deep community connection into every brushstroke and game.