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MOAB — A Utah artist is bringing colorful murals and environmental awareness to communities across the state as part of his "Utah Wildlife Walls" project.
"I loved making art but was not stoked about the art world and wanted to figure out how to use my art talents in conservation efforts," artist Chris Peterson said.
Peterson found his niche in painting large murals of animals, which he hopes will educate communities about endangered species in their backyard and help people connect with nature. He's partnered with the Utah Wildlife Federation to eventually paint endangered species murals in every county in Utah.
His most recent creation is a vivid mural of a razorback sucker in Moab, which he finished painting Friday. The sucker is native to Grand County but is threatened by warmer, drier weather — the Scott and Norma Matheson Wetlands Preserve has been trying to save it.
"The idea of celebrating a species that belongs to a place … it already has some meaning to locals," Peterson said.
Having giant murals of fish (or tortoises, or bears, or owls) can "change the consciousness" of a community, he said. It's a small step on the way to environmental action.
Not everyone will scan the mural's QR code to learn more about the environmental initiative, and that's OK. Even just enjoying the mural's bright, surreal colors can "communicate the magic of wildlife encounters," Peterson said.
Part of Peterson's target audience is kids, informed by his time as an elementary school teacher. He's found that animals capture young imaginations better than just about anything else. And they can help adults feel more like kids: "These encounters (with wildlife) get you out of your head and into your body," he said.
It's no secret that murals are having a moment. Store owners and cities want murals to boost business and morale, Peterson said. As he maps out his murals, he looks at which cities are offering funding.
Salt Lake City, Midvale, Vernal and Heber City already have Peterson's murals. His next project will be in St. George, dependent on securing a little bit more funding. His plan is to paint a massive, two-story Mojave desert tortoise downtown.
Other spots on the docket include Antelope Island, Manila, Summit County, Kanab, Logan and Escalante.
"We're looking for wildlife partners all around the state," Peterson said.
Those interested in having Peterson paint wildlife in their community can find more information at celebrateutahwildlife.com.
