“Art is Good For You,” installed in 2023, has been cut up and covered during the bank’s renovation, a surprise to Murals of La Jolla project leadership.

A prominent Murals of La Jolla piece is no more: “Art is Good For You,” a Michael Mercil commission that spans the entire north side of the building at 7777 Girard Ave along Silverado Street, has been partially covered up and a large section in its center cut away.

The destruction is part of Chase Bank’s renovation of that branch, though Murals of La Jolla is surprised at its demolition.

Murals of La Jolla “was not informed or consulted prior to the mural being covered,” the organization said in a statement.

As stewards of the mural, “we would typically expect to be notified in advance of changes affecting a mural.”

The property is owned by Chase Bank; in November, Murals of La Jolla’s Executive Director Taylor Chapin met with Chase representatives regarding the property and the mural.

“At that time, there was no indication that the mural would be removed or covered,” the statement read.

Chase Bank bought back the building from its new owners in June 2024, putting an end to the earlier plans for a substantial renovation by a group of investors.

When lajolla.ca asked Chase about its new renovation plans in November, Chase’s California media relations representative Peter Kelley said only a planned refurbishment of the interior would take place.

Rendering courtesy of Chase Bank

An updated statement from Chase, sent May 13, indicated the renovations include exterior repainting and plaza resurfacing with new landscaping.

“Work is being completed in phases to keep the branch fully operational,” the statement read. “These improvements reflect our continued investment in a modern, community-focused experience in La Jolla.”

Work is expected to be completed in early fall.

Michael Merci’s ‘ART IS GOOD FOR YOU’, 2023, 7777 Girard Ave

“Murals of La Jolla remains committed to its mission and to the community that has supported the program for more than fifteen years,” Murals of La Jolla said. “At this time, Murals of La Jolla remains focused on commissioning and maintaining murals at its other established sites throughout The Village.”