A new mural on the Penny Candy Store adds more “candy” to the iconic establishment’s colored exterior. Photo by Seti Long

LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) - Live Oak’s iconic Penny Candy Store has undergone changes with new owner Lorrie Brummett at the shop’s helm.

For more than a decade, the legendary confectionery boasted a red and white striped exterior and two murals that branded the store for locals.

When the white paint went up on the exterior during renovations, questions and comments arose. Locals took to social media wondering if the murals would return, with others stating their opinions, not all kind.

Meanwhile, Brummett had worked with Live Oak High School to open a contest for the students, putting the store wall’s artistic future in the hands of a local teenager.

Penny Candy Store Owner, Lorrie Brummett, left, smiles with artist Chukaria Martin in front of the completed mural. Photo by Seti Long

Brummett told the Herald that she wanted to support the students and showcase what they could do.

“This is a local icon,” Brummett said. “I wanted to use local talent.”

Chukaria Martin’s submission won the art contest and ushers in a new generation of Penny Candy Store mural.

Brummett recalled strong contenders during her review of art submissions but Martin’s concept “spoke” to her.

“I get goosebumps when I see it…It really pops!” she said of the final draft as the artist began painting.

And “pops” it does, as a large rainbow lollipop anchors the center of a multi-colored, candied design.

Martin started the project in the high temperatures of early June. She enlisted the guidance of artist Lilly James, as this was Martin’s first mural.  Live Oak Lions came to the rescue of the two women, donating the use of their pop-up canopies so that Martin and James could paint in the shade.

The Herald caught up with Martin and James as they put the foundation of the art piece down. Martin reminisced, saying she drew the mural’s inspiration from childhood memories of visiting the store. She wanted to use bright, fun colors that cried “Candy!”

Brummett and Martin hoped that the mural would be completed by Father’s Day but unexpected delays caused the painting to wrap in late July.

The mural itself is a very colorful piece. Upon close inspection, you can see that Martin paid close attention to details, such as the wrapped candies.

The idea of her artwork becoming the new “face” of the Penny Candy Store was a lot for Martin to take in but the teen was grateful to have been given the opportunity to be a part of the store’s iconic history.

“I feel really good about it,” said Martin after the completion.

The Herald posed the same question to Brummett, as to Martin, “What do you think?”

“I think it is just amazingly beautiful. It was what I wanted without even knowing what I wanted,” said Brummett. “I’m ecstatic!”

Martin hopes to continue her artistic endeavors, and the experience increased her feelings of independence and confidence in her abilities.

The Penny Candy Store is located at 10221 Live Oak Blvd., Live Oak, and carries a variety of nostalgia, shaved ice, ice cream and more.