JACKSON, Wyo. — Each year from June through September, blank walls in Jackson’s alleyways are transformed into engaging murals that tell ecological stories while simultaneously showcasing the work of some of the valley’s best artists.
This year, Kika Macfarlane and Helen Seay were selected for the event’s two large-scale, permanent murals.
“This is a celebration of the Snake River Canyon and all the beauty that lies south of town,” said Kika Macfarlane of her expansive mural located in the rear parking lot of Dave Hansen Whitewater.
Her mural is a depiction of all the beauty that is the Snake.
“The whole mural is a sweeping river, I tried to incorporate hills in the foreground and background to capture that feel of the river winding through. There are kayakers, rafters, people on SUP boards, even someone surfing Lunch Counter! There are people fishing and then there are wild elements as well; moose, otters and trees.”
Although this is Macfarlane’s first time painting a wall she’s a seasoned digital artist and graphic designer. She’s also behind the augmented reality (AR) features that WildWalls uses to promote a greater understanding and awareness of the region’s ecosystem.
Incorporating both the human and natural elements of the river, Macfarlane found this piece a particularly special one.
“The river has always been an important place for me and I was really excited to celebrate this as a river user and just to focus on some of the other scenery around town that isn’t just Teton views.”
Closer to Town Square in the Shirt off My Back alleyway, passersby can find Helen Seay’s grizzly mural that speaks to recreating responsibly in bear country.
In partnership with Grand Teton National Park Foundation, Seay focused on simple messaging that would resonate with both tourists and locals who came across her piece.
“My art speaks to the message of responsibility and bear safety,” said Seay.
Seay explained that for the community she hopes her art conveys the responsibly individuals hold when it comes to safeguarding wildlife.
“It rests on us to be proactive and responsible when we walk out into the wild.”
The WildWalls community mural walk will take place on Tuesday, July 19 starting at the Snake River Brew Pub.
