Prep work begins on April 15th to restore the lower third of the historic AIDS monument in the Odin tunnel. The Department of Cultural Affairs has approved funds.

In 1987 a young artist named Russell Carlton partnered with APLA and other contributors to fulfill a dream, raise awareness, and give hope. At the time there was no life-saving drug when testing positive for HIV. (Three experimental vaccines are now in clinical trails.)

A decade after completion Blue Moon Trilogy's pastel palette was darkened by graffiti and all but forgotten. Gray paint obliterated the bottom section. A bronze plaque on the wall told the story. It honored the courage of those who lost their lives battling an epidemic.

In 2016 two Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council Chairs formed a committee to save it. They went to CD4. Councilmember David Ryu saw immediately the mural's historic significance. Ryu’s discretionary funds restored the upper two-thirds.

A security fence will be set up and the entire wall will get power-washed (cold water, no additives to the water). Restoration will start on Monday morning April 18th. Work is scheduled through the 30th. Three layers of hard varnish will protect the mural from vandalism.

Composite was made by conservator Scott Haskins who pieced the lost section together with the help of photos and sketches David Hubbard provided. Blue Moon Trilogy is a positive reminder of the price paid by so many.

Spectrum News did a story on the mural in 2019. If you stroll or drive past the location in the weeks to come, you might see a News crew filming the happy ending.

https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-west/news/2019/07/03/community-restoring-80s-aids-memorial-mural