Old Town Kern has always been one of Bakersfield’s most storied neighborhoods, a place where generations of families, businesses, and traditions have shaped the city's identity.

Today, that history is being celebrated in a new way: through vibrant public art that brings color and pride back to the streets. One of the most striking examples is the mural on the exterior wall of Luigi’s Italian Restaurant & Delicatessen, created by local artist Sara Drennan.

Painted in 2018 as part of the Old Town Kern Beautification Project, the mural reimagines a 1909 photograph of Luigi’s original storefront. It features the Lemucchi family, whose legacy has anchored the neighborhood for more than a century. By transforming a historic image into a large-scale work of art, Drennan bridges Bakersfield’s past with its present, reminding the community of the roots that continue to nourish Old Town Kern.

The project itself was a grassroots effort— funded through donations and supported by volunteers who wanted to bring new life to the area. The mural has since become a visual landmark, drawing visitors, sparking conversations, and inspiring additional beautification efforts throughout the district.

For many residents, the Luigi’s mural represents more than a painting on a wall. It’s a symbol of resilience, heritage, and the power of community collaboration. In a neighborhood working hard to revitalize its streets, this artwork stands as a reminder that history can be honored not only in memories, but in bold, beautiful color.

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JEANETTE RICHARDSON, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Kern, says, “The Arts Council of Kern considers indoor and outdoor murals as an essential defining part of the strengthening creative economy. This mural takes its place among many storied murals throughout Bakersfield and the county.”

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WHERE TO SEE IT:  725 E. 19th St, Bakersfield, CA.

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Content Sponsored by: Adam Belter, The Belter Group