GETTY GROUP TO RESTORE CONTROVERSIAL OLVERA ST. MURAL.

Byline: RICK ORLOV Staff Writer

A nearly 20-year effort to restore an Olvera Street mural -- once considered so politically charged that it was painted over -- will receive a major boost today, with a $7.9 million investment and commitment to complete the project in two years.

The Getty Foundation and city leaders are scheduled to announce the effort to complete the restoration of ``America Tropical'' on the side of the Italian Hall as part of the El Pueblo Historic Monument.

The mural was commissioned in 1932 and painted by David Alfaro Siquieros, who depicted conditions of the time -- but who also was known for his political activism as a member of the Mexican Communist Party.

Historic accounts of the 80- by 100-foot mural said it depicted an Indian being crucified and showed soldiers with rifles in threatening poses.

It so inflamed civic leaders that half the mural was initially painted over; eventually, it was completely covered.

The Getty Foundation began working in 1988 to try to uncover and restore the mural, but funding problems have slowed the work.

With today's expected announcement, the Getty Foundation is said to be committing $3.5 million to the project and the city will fund the rest through its arts and culture fund and other sources.

When completed, the project is expected to include a viewing bridge and develop a continuing program to explain the mural's importance.

rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com

[phone]

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

This mural, painted by David Alfaro Siquieros on Italian Hall on Olvera Street, will be restored by the Getty Foundation, the city and other sources.