Vibrant Murals Continue to Transform Downtown Missoula

This summer, Downtown Missoula has blossomed into a vibrant outdoor gallery, thanks to the efforts of the Missoula Downtown Foundation (MDF) and local artists Kelsey Dzintars and Lillian Nelson. With the generous support of TrailWest Bank, Sandy Mitchell, and the Missoula Downtown Association, two stunning murals now grace the city’s heart, celebrating the community’s rich culture and scenic beauty.

Celebrating Missoula’s Natural Beauty: Free Flow on Main Street

Located on the north-facing wall of the Downtown Headquarters Building at 218 E Main Street, Kelsey Dzintars’ mural beautifully captures the essence of Missoula’s landscape. Spanning over 30 feet in length and 18 feet in height, the mural prominently features the Clark Fork River, a central element of Missoula’s geography and heritage. This artwork, produced by the Foundation’s Arts & Culture Impact Grants program, brings a picturesque natural scene to life, enriching the downtown environment.

“It’s exciting to be a recipient of this grant program and to get the opportunity to paint a large-scale piece of art in Missoula,” said Dzintars. “Outdoor murals are a unique artistic medium in which the art is commissioned by private funds but the end product is publicly displayed for all to enjoy.”

The mural, completed in mid-July, has transformed the alleyway into a vibrant public space. Travis Neil, President of the Missoula Downtown Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm: “The more we continue to foster and support big displays of art in the Missoula community, the more this place will look, feel, and act like Western Montana’s cultural hub.”

TrailWest Bank is equally thrilled with the addition. “The art installation on our Downtown location is a welcomed addition to our building and bank,” said Myer Zins, representative of TrailWest Bank. “This piece, displaying the natural beauty of the valley in which we operate, is a welcomed treat for our clients, Missoulians, and tourists alike to enjoy.”

Breathing Life into the Dorothy Building: The Dorothy Dragon Mural

Meanwhile, at 131 W Alder Street, Lillian Nelson has brought a magical transformation to the Dorothy Building with her “Dorothy Dragon” mural. This magnificent piece stretches over 115 feet in length and 28 feet in height, winding through 19 windows and breathing fire up a historic chimney. The dragon, with its vibrant colors and dynamic presence, has given the building a much-needed facelift, turning it into a new landmark in downtown Missoula.

“Coming together with property owners to create lasting pieces of art in the heart of our community has been highly rewarding for our board and staff,” said Neil. “Missoulians and tourists both will be able to watch the Dorothy Dragon come to life throughout the summer and witness what local partnerships can accomplish.”

Nelson, a Montana native and University of Montana fine arts graduate, began the project in early summer and completed it by the end of August. “This project could potentially be one of Missoula’s biggest and most colorful murals,” she shared. “Contributing to the arts scene in Missoula has been a focus of mine for a long time, and the opportunity to produce this mural feels like one of the most substantial projects of my career.”

Sandy Mitchell, the Dorothy Building’s owner, is delighted with the result. “I see the dragon as becoming a lasting legacy that I can give back to the Missoula community. What was simply a thought or pipe dream of mine last winter has now become a reality thanks to the expertise and imagination of Lillian.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supporting Missoula’s Artistic Future

Both murals were made possible through the MDF’s Arts & Culture Impact Grants program, which partners artists with building owners and provides funding to create destination artworks. These projects not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of downtown Missoula but also align with the goals of the Downtown Master Plan, which includes more art, placemaking, alley activation, and gateway improvements.

These remarkable projects are a testament to the power of community collaboration and the generosity of Missoula Downtown Foundation donors. To support the Arts & Culture Impact Grants program and help bring more stunning artworks to life, donations can be made online at donations.missouladowntown.com.

For more information about the Missoula Downtown Foundation and its initiatives, visit missouladowntown.com/missoula-downtown-foundation or contact the Downtown Missoula Partnership staff via phone at (406) 543-4238 or email at [email protected].