New Key To The City Designed Crafted Entirely By Local Artists

The new keys to the city, which will be bestowed to three honorees by Mayor Robert Garcia on Tuesday, have been designed and crafted entirely by local artists, and the prototypes were 3-D printed in The Studio at the Main Library.

“I’m incredibly proud these keys were designed and crafted by local Long Beach artists and designers,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “It was important to me that the keys reflect the creativity of our city and that each key was special enough to reflect the amazing people receiving them.”

The new keys incorporate elements of the City logo, as well as iconic Long Beach landmarks. The design of the keys was developed by DW Ferrel and a team of artists at MADE in Long Beach, the Pine Avenue retailer that sells locally made crafts, goods, and gifts, representing more than 100 local makers.

Sherry Ray-Von, whose Ray-Von Designs Art Studio recently opened on Pine Avenue, cast and forged the keys, and also consulted on the design. Mark Schneider Jewelry, located on the Promenade, consulted on fine detail work and 3-D printed the final master design.

Former Governor George Deukmejian and his wife, philanthropist Gloria Deukmejian, as well as former LBUSD Board President Bobbie Smith, will receive the first three keys with the new design at the City Council meeting of Tuesday, December 8.