[6] Interested in contemporary art, Avila attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1971.
During her time at UCLA, Avila and a friend started a program to bring artists to the school to speak about conceptual art.
[8] One of Los Angeles' most iconic murals and most notable artwork of Glenna Avila's is the L.A. Freeway Kids completed in 1984.
[7] According to Avila, she envisioned the mural to hold a significant meaning about diversity and childhood, while incorporating youth athletics since children were not part of the Olympics.
[7] Each child comes from a different racial background including Hispanic, Asian, Caucasian, and African-American, which communicates the diversity of Los Angeles.
L.A. Freeway Kids was restored in 2012 by Los Angeles based artist and muralist Willie Herrón.