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Community Corner

Creating Art on Second Street

David Daniel and Janet Haggens create unique pieces of art available for purchase on Second Street and other venues in Long Beach

On a recent day, local artist David Daniel and girlfriend Janet Haggens sat cross-legged on the sidewalk near Sweet Jill’s Bakery, sketching intricate works of art featuring skulls, religious symbols and silhouettes of women.

Sitting on the ground, Daniel uses Staedtler pens to design surreal patterns while Haggens sits near him and colors in the empty white spots, careful not to smear the edges of an original art piece, which typically takes weeks to perfect.


The couple survives on donations and support from the Belmont Shore community.

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For Daniel and Haggens, art is a huge part of their lifestyle. They sit on the sidewalk for hours, trying to keep the art culture alive in the community while discussing their original art pieces with interested passersby.  


Daniel and Haggens met each other on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena earlier this year. Immediately, the two felt a connection and fell in love. They later moved to Belmont Shore, where they would be able to freely express themselves on the streets without the fear of being asked to leave.

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The couple always carries the essentials: paper, pens, and the inspiration flowing through their veins to keep them going.


For 10 years, Daniel sold eclectic pieces of art in Pasadena, Eagle Rock, San Francisco, and all over the world. He often travels to different venues, selling his work at black light shows and galleries, as well as on the street. “I don’t have price tags on anything. We don’t bother anyone. We just sit there with art and they come to us,” said Daniel.

Raised in Monterey Park, Daniel dropped out of high school in his sophomore year and began abusing drugs and alcohol.

But his life changed forever when he visited an art supply store and started sketching mind-blowing drawings for buyers. “My first sale was to a drug dealer. It was a postcard for six bucks. But I changed my life around and stopped the drugs and alcohol.”


Haggens never thought she possessed any artistic talent until she met Daniel, who inspired her to take an interest in art. At an early age, Haggens taught herself to be self-reliant, especially when she got separated from her siblings after moving to different foster homes when her mother died of breast cancer.

“Before, I didn’t know where my place was. And now through the art, I’m finding my place in the world.”


“For me, art is a spiritual thing. I have to do things that fulfill my spirit, she said.

There are times when she has felt misunderstood.


“A lot of people think that me selling art on the street is wrong. A lot of people tell me I shouldn’t be doing this. They think I’m suffering somehow by sitting here," Haggens said.

"They don’t understand that I would choose to sit here with my art ...  it takes a lot of strength to sit with your work and be open and have all yourself out there,” said Haggens.

Each piece is available for purchase. The works have been featured at The Library Coffee House in Long Beach.

Anyone interested in seeing the work should take a stroll down Second Street, near Sweet Jill’s Bakery.

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