SEASIDE – The Reef, one of about six cannabis dispensaries in Seaside, has an eye-catching mural that complements the name of the business in a big way.

The 85-foot, one-story mural depicting a giant blue whale swimming past in a quadriptych of kelp-framed windows, gives the illusion of watching the magnificent marine mammal glide underwater in an aquarium, one fin extending outside the confines.

Three friends from the area collaborated on the design and execution of the artwork that has taken about 10 days to complete. “Chief instigator” Lisa Haas, 59, of Monterey, has been in the design and painting business for 22 years. She collaborated on the mural with her assistant of 11 years, Maryia Hryharenka, 27, of Seaside, and designer/illustrator Hanif Panni, 38, of Seaside.

“The Reef came up with a contest for the design and this was the winner,” said Haas.

Co-owner Jayme Rivard, along with partners Cary and Jana Stiebel, opened the recreational cannabis store at 1900 Fremont Blvd. in November. Located at the corner of La Salle Avenue and Fremont Boulevard, the business has a highly visible spot on the busy thoroughfare.

Rivard said the contest garnered about 15 entries but the artwork by team Hass was head and shoulders above the rest.

“It was unanimous among the partners,” said Rivard. “We’re absolutely happy with the results.”

Panni said the reception from passersby and the community has been gratifying.

“There have been a lot of people driving by, honking their horns, smiling and waving,” said Panni.

The muralists have received food and drinks from nearby businesses, and have been handing out business cards with the possibility of more design and paint jobs ahead.

The artists said the work will be completed by day’s end, then it will be signed and left to the community to enjoy.

Hass said a piece like this can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $16,000.

The Reef has beautified the corner where it resides not only with the mural but with ironwork depicting kelp that wraps around one corner of the building. Rusty Croft of Sand Guys International did the work.

Rivard said the cannabis dispensary has been doing “better than expected” business despite competition from five other stores in Seaside.