TETON VALLEY, IDA – Victor Idaho PlaceMakers is launching its latest public space project—a large-scale mural on the backdrop of the stage located at Victor City Park. PlaceMakers formed in late 2016 with the intent to complete small, affordable projects that will make Victor even more awesome.
The mural idea was presented at a city council meeting on April 25 and passed with great enthusiasm. Jason Borbet aka Borbay was commissioned to paint the 8’ x 33’ work. The first mural in this public arts initiative is going to showcase the words “Victor” and “Idaho”, perched atop the Big Hole Mountains, and the type will be transformed into a neon.
“The support the Victor PlaceMakers have received from our community for this project is astounding,” Borbay said. “Through this first public art initiative, we anticipate drawing people to the valley to stay, shop, eat, socialize and fall in love with our hometown in a meaningful way. Culture is the catalyst for a bedroom community to become a destination. This mural marks just the beginning of public art in Victor Idaho. We’ll have everyone #VictorDreaming in technicolor by July.”
PlaceMakers has also invited local high school students to participate in the creation of this mural and those involved may possibly receive official school credit. They are working hard to have the mural complete and ready to reveal at the first Music on Main on June 21.
Even for world-renowned artist Borbay, it’s a big undertaking.
“With dimensions of 8’ x 33’, this will in fact be the largest mural I’ve ever created,” Borbay said. “In 2011, I collaborated with fellow artist Jeremy Penn to paint an 11’ x 26’ mural on West 57th and 10th Avenue in Manhattan. Fortunately, that mural has stood the test of time—and, perhaps more impressively, has never been tagged.”
Funding and installing
As soon as city council approved the project, PlaceMakers launched a private funding campaign in the community, seeking donations in support of this public art project.
“To date, we’ve raised $8,250 of our $15,000 goal—and the checks (made out to The City of Victor, subject line: Victor City Mural) keep rolling-in,” Borbay said. “Any donations in support of the mural are greatly appreciated.”
To get it done, Borbay first made a digital sketch of the mural he had in mind. That image will then be transformed onto five individual panels. Work outdoors is weather-dependent but Borbay is still hoping to hit the June 21 deadline.
“I have the primer prepped to apply, which I plan on doing between now and Tuesday…that’s when the paints arrive. From there, it’s all sketch and off to the races,” Borbay said. “As for whether or not I can make the June 21 target date—that will come down to workflow, weather, and a touch of luck. Regardless, this baby will be underway, and on display for all to see beginning next week.”
