Murals for the people,
by the people.
About ESCO Alley Art
ESCO Alley Art is an all-volunteer group. Our mission is to expand the definition of public art by offering innovative methods that allow artists of all ages to create murals that honor their vision without limiting their participation – installations that reflect inclusivity, local creativity and cultural identity – to form outdoor galleries.
We believe that a thriving city is built through collaboration, charitability, and accessibility. Our organization serves as a unifying body that enriches the public environment, and promotes the mental, physical, and economic well‑being of the community. We are financially supported by grant opportunities and donations, working under the auspices of the Escondido Downtown Business Association.
Our purpose is simple and profound: to elevate artists, to uplift our city, and to create a vibrant environment where art is accessible, opportunity is shared, and beauty becomes a public good.
Mission
To enrich Escondido’s quality of life by placing public art in unexpected and inspiring spaces.
Vision
A city connected through outdoor mural galleries that uplift community spirit and beautify shared places.
Values
We value:
supporting artists and the arts
engaging the community through public art
the dedication of volunteers
grants and donations that make our work possible
Meet the Committee
Member Bios
Suzanne Nicolaisen
Suzanne Nicolaisen is a self-taught artist, currently the Chair of Esco Alley Art. She was born in South Africa and lived in Switzerland for 21 years. She studied at the Cape Technical College in South Africa.
After being a stay-at-home mom for 17 years, she returned to the business world at a water filtration membrane manufacturing company as International Customer Service and Office Manager. She is a certified Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Specialist and held the position as an Activities Director at Glenner Alzheimer’s Day Care.
Suzanne served on the board of the Escondido Art Association (EAA) in several positions. She was responsible for several of the youth and charitable programs during 17 years and received the honorable title of Lifetime EAA Ambassador.
More than 30 years of blending art with her love for everything living, Suzanne enjoys volunteering her time to support the Escondido community by combining her devotion to people, the arts, nature, and her surroundings.
Suzanne’s fondness for her city is portrayed in her annual series “Zanniki’s Escondido”. An example is installed behind Restaurant H. Brothers. Her work has been acquired by collectors in several countries throughout the world.
Bjarne Nicolaisen
Being a chemical engineer by vocation, Bjarne journeyed through research and development, sales, marketing, and general management. He retired from General Electric in 2003 from a position being in charge of membrane product across the world. He established NicoLogics, a consulting firm serving the membrane industry worldwide.
Always having been a prolific writer, Bjarne became an author of novels in his retirement. His wife, Suzanne, is an accomplished artist. Through Suzanne’s involvement in the Escondido art community, he was called upon attain the role of president for the Escondido Art Association (EAA). He served as president of the EAA for six years.
In 2025 Bjarne became a member of the ESCO Alley Art committee after providing support for this cause for several years through Suzanne. Bjarne brings business experience to ESCO Alley Art and he is used to dealing with government and authorities.
In his spare time Bjarne is a philatelist (stamp collector), an avid reader and a keen observer of the universe.
Kati Cowan
Email: Kt2c@packtrain.com
Website: www.cowanphotoart.com
Shortly after moving to California from Canada, Kati found herself sitting at a sidewalk café on Grand Avenue. The quaint, nostalgic scene instantly reminded her of a Parisian café she’d visited years ago, and she fell completely in love. Ever since that day, Escondido has owned her heart.
As the owner of Inspired Visions by Kati Cowan (a photo and fabric art business) and a freelance journalist, creativity is at the core of who she is. Her professional journey ranges from retail management and university instruction to owning a holistic health business—experiences that have sharpened her skills in public relations, communication, and innovation. She is ecstatic to channel this background into the collective mission to promote and beautify Escondido. By bringing a holistic perspective to upcoming projects, she looks forward to enhancing the quality of life for the community through magnificent mural art.
Louisa Magoon
Louisa Magoon is the owner of The Grand Tea Room, a beloved destination in Historic Downtown Escondido that she opened with her husband and daughter in September 2011.
Before becoming a small business owner, Louisa built a successful career in the restaurant industry. She began in 1989 with Rusty Pelican Restaurants and later became the Director of Risk Management and Human Resources for Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurants. Following the sale of the company and closure of its corporate office in 2010, Louisa chose to pursue her dream of opening her own business.
Inspired by her love of hosting tea parties and visiting tea rooms, Louisa established The Grand Tea Room in the community she has proudly called home since 1992. Although encouraged to open in coastal communities such as La Jolla or Del Mar, she remained committed to investing in Escondido, where she has helped contribute to the vitality and charm of Historic Downtown.
As a member of the nonprofit’s Board of Directors, Louisa is passionate about strengthening Escondido through public art, community engagement, and placemaking. She is proud to support initiatives that bring murals and other creative projects to neighborhoods throughout the city, celebrating Escondido’s unique character while fostering civic pride and economic vitality.
