Oceanside Odyssey
"Oceanside Odyssey" is an immersive mural experience at the North County Transit - San Diego Railroad's Pedestrian Tunnel. This mural showcases Oceanside's native habitat, from the sunset skies to the ocean's depths. Local marine life, including ospreys, dolphins, and whales, adorn the walls, welcoming us to "OCEANSIDE CALIFORNIA." The various animals represent the beautiful variety of people in Oceanside—local and migrant alike. The mural was created in partnership with North County Transit - San Diego Railroad, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Clean California Grant Program, MainStreet, Oceanside and the Art that Excites Program. Special Thanks: Mark Mou, City of Oceanside and Aldona M. Griz Trust
Artist: Jonathan Hamrick, Maxx Moses, Paul Jimenez, Signe Ditona, Victor Rodriguez, Perspective Paint & Design Team
Our Story: The Oceanside Odyssey Mural
The Oceanside Odyssey mural is more than just paint on a wall; it is a vibrant testament to the power of community collaboration and a celebration of North County's unique spirit. This landmark public art project, nestled within the bustling Oceanside Transit Center (OTC), took a two-year journey from a bold concept to a stunning reality.
A Partnership for Public Art
The seed for the Oceanside Odyssey was planted through an exciting partnership between North County Transit - San Diego Railroad (NCTSDR) and MainStreet Oceanside's (MSO) Art that Excites Committee. United by a vision to bring meaningful public art to the main transit hub—where NCTSDR's COASTER, SPRINTER, and BREEZE meet Amtrak and Metrolink trains.
We are incredibly grateful for the pivotal funding that made this possible: a generous $144,000 grant from the CalTrans, Clean California Local Grant Program which also included safety upgrades with new lighting and speakers within the tunnel. The full project, estimated at approximately $231,000, saw the remaining funds proudly contributed by the North County Transit - San Diego Railroad.
A Community-Driven Vision
From the beginning, this was an artwork for Oceanside, chosen by Oceanside. The journey involved a thorough and inclusive community-engaged selection process. The passion for the project was undeniable, with over 3,500 community members and visitors casting their vote on the three final concepts. The overwhelming choice was clear: the magnificent Oceanside Odyssey mural.
The Dedication of the Creators
Seeing the selected vision come to life was an incredible feat of dedication. The talented artists and paint crew spent over three months meticulously installing the massive mural. Every spray of paint reflects their profound passion, evident in the intricate details of the backgrounds, the native animals, and the distinct, captivating personality of each creature.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Projects of this scale are never completed by a single entity; they are triumphs of teamwork. To the dedicated artists, the MSO and NCTSDR staff, the security teams, the essential cleaning crews, the tireless volunteers, and every single community member who voted, encouraged, and supported this endeavor—we extend our deepest and most sincere gratitude.
The Oceanside Odyssey is truly Our Story. It is a shining beacon of collaboration, now greeting thousands of travelers and residents every day, reminding us of what we can achieve when we come together.
Animals on Display
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Cormorant, The Diver: A frequent ocean bird known for deep dives, representing adaptability and resourcefulness.
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Parrot, The Vibrant Voice: Non-native but thriving as a local, symbolizing new perspectives and growth.
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Osprey, The Fisher: A magnificent bird of prey, a familiar sight along the coast, symbolizing keen vision and purpose.
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Great White Shark, The Apex: A powerful, essential part of the marine ecosystem, symbolizing strength and respect.
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Seals, The Relaxed Local: Often seen basking near harbors and jetties, symbolizing rest and contentment.
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Dolphin, The Navigator: Intelligent and social marine mammals, symbolizing community and guidance.
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Crab, The Foundation: A creature of both sand and surf, representing resilience and community foundation.
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Tuna, The Velocity: A powerful, migratory fish, known for its impressive speed, symbolizing dynamic energy.
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Orcas, The Strategist: Powerful and highly coordinated, representing teamwork and collective strength.
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Jellyfish, The Ethereal Wonder: Drifting with the currents, symbolizing delicacy and flow.
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Sea Turtle, The Ancient Mariner: An enduring symbol of the ocean, representing longevity, patience, and wisdom.
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Bobcat, The Guardian: A stealthy feline in local canyons, symbolizing perception and hidden strength.
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Humpback Whale, The Gentle Giant: An awe-inspiring seasonal migrant, symbolizing the grand scale of nature.
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Octopus, The Innovator: A master of camouflage and problem-solving, symbolizing creativity and intelligence.
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Seagull, The Constant Companion: An iconic presence, symbolizing local spirit and familiarity.
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Pelican, The O'side Original: A large, distinctive coastal bird; the "unofficial mascot" of the Oceanside Pier area.
Meet The Team
Jonathan Hamrick - Lead Artist
Jonathan “Jon” Hamrick is a muralist and fine artist whose work blends realism, emotion, and a deep respect for place. Originally emerging from the San Diego art scene, Jon built his reputation through large-scale public murals that transform the walls of the communities he serves. His pieces are known for their clarity, precision, and warmth — qualities that have made him a sought-after lead artist for major projects across California.
For Oceanside Odyssey, Jon brought both vision and leadership, guiding the project’s creative direction while honoring Oceanside’s coastal character and vibrant spirit. His ability to turn storytelling into striking, accessible imagery is at the heart of the mural's impact. Jon’s work reflects his belief that public art should inspire, connect, and uplift — and his contribution to Oceanside Odyssey embodies that mission.
Signe Ditona
Ground Floor Murals
Signe Ditona is the artistic force whose intuition and design sensibility help define the distinctive style of GroundFloor Murals. Known for her strong compositional vision and collaborative approach, Signe brings a sense of harmony, narrative clarity, and emotional resonance to every project she touches.
Her work has appeared on some of the region’s most visible walls, earning recognition for its storytelling, vibrant colors, and community-centered themes. Signe’s role in the creative partnership extends beyond technique — she is a creative strategist, problem solver, and co-visionary.
For Oceanside Odyssey, Signe adds thoughtful structure and visual balance to the collaborative wall, ensuring that each element not only stands on its own but contributes to a larger, unified story. Her work helps transform the mural into a cohesive and welcoming visual experience.
Maxx Moses -Pose 2
Maxx Moses — also known globally by his graffiti name, Pose 2 — is a visionary muralist whose art transcends borders, genres, and traditions. Born in the Bronx and shaped by the early days of East Coast graffiti, Maxx has evolved into a world-renowned painter whose murals appear in cities from San Diego to Amsterdam, Dubai, and Osaka.
His work blends graffiti energy with surrealist forms and ancestral symbolism, creating pieces that feel alive with movement and meaning. Maxx is not only an artist but a teacher, mentor, and cultural storyteller, often leading community workshops and youth programs to encourage creative expression.
On Oceanside Odyssey, Maxx infuses the wall with his signature sense of dynamism and color, adding layers of texture and imagination that elevate the entire collaboration. His presence brings global perspective, artistic intensity, and a commitment to creativity as a transformative force.
Victor Rodriguez
Victor Rodriguez is a dedicated artist contributing to the Oceanside Odyssey team, bringing his talent, skill, and strong work ethic to the collaborative process. Victor’s presence is felt in the careful detailing, layered textures, and technical execution embedded throughout the mural.
Working closely with the project’s lead artists, Victor helps bring large-scale ideas to life through steady craftsmanship and a grounded artistic sensibility. His role exemplifies the heart of community-driven public art: talent, teamwork, and a shared commitment to creating something meaningful for the city of Oceanside.
Victor’s contribution ensures that Oceanside Odyssey stands not only as a beautiful piece of art, but as a testament to collaborative creativity.
Paul Jimenez
Ground Floor Murals
As co-founder of GroundFloor Murals, Paul Jimenez has become one of Southern California’s most recognizable public artists. His path from independent painter to full-scale muralist reflects his dedication to community, storytelling, and accessible art that resonates with local audiences.
Paul’s murals — seen across San Diego and beyond — have captured everything from neighborhood pride to tributes to cultural icons. Paul has produced high-visibility artwork for sports organizations, brands, public institutions, and grassroots community projects.
In Oceanside Odyssey, Paul brings bold color, sharp detail, and a deep sense of craftsmanship. His approach balances precision with passion, grounding the mural in a sense of place while celebrating the life and energy of Oceanside’s coastal community.
Jon & Skye Hall
Behind every successful mural is a team ensuring the wall is safe, prepared, and built to stand the test of time. For Oceanside Odyssey, that essential work comes from Jon and Skye Hall of Perspective Paint & Design, a trusted San Diego County company known for their expertise in commercial and residential painting, surface preparation, paint application, safety management, and long-term preservation.
Jon and Skye bring years of professional painting experience , specializing in the unique challenges of large-scale outdoor artwork — from wall repair and priming to lift operation, sealing, and weather protection. Their work ensures that the creativity of the project’s artists is supported by professional craftsmanship and durability.
As crucial partners in the process, the Halls and their team help transform walls into lasting canvases, allowing the murals colors and stories to shine for years to come. Their role is foundational — quiet, meticulous, and indispensable.
Our Partners
