Artist Documents Community After Eaton Fire Through Watercolor Paintings

January 20, 2026

Watercolor artist Keni "Arts" Davis has spent five decades documenting his Altadena, California neighborhood through paintings of everyday locations like stores and churches. When the Eaton Fire destroyed his home and hundreds of his artworks on January 7, 2025, he began creating paintings of the burned ruins to preserve memories of approximately 80 beloved community sites before demolition crews arrived. His before-and-after works were featured in an exhibition at the California African American Museum, highlighting the cultural significance of Altadena's Black community.

Who is affected

Keni "Arts" Davis and his wife Mildred Davis, who lost their home and hundreds of paintings
Their three daughters who were raised in the destroyed home
Altadena residents and neighbors who lost cherished community places
The Black community of Altadena specifically
Children receiving quilts from Mildred Davis

What action is being taken

Arts Davis is painting the community as it heals and the new Altadena that's rising
Arts Davis and his wife Mildred are rebuilding their family's home
The couple is helping neighbors rebuild
Mildred Davis is helping create quilts for children

Why it matters

This story matters because it demonstrates how art can serve as both historical documentation and a tool for community healing after devastating loss. Davis's paired before-and-after paintings preserve the memory and cultural significance of Altadena, particularly for its Black community, while his current work focused on recovery provides hope and reminds residents that rebuilding is possible following catastrophic loss.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint