By Anagha Rao | [email protected]

Be on the lookout for some new big, bold murals that will adorn three local businesses. The Sugar House Mural Project will install these artworks in the Sugar House Business District. “The purpose of this project is to create a more vibrant community, elevate the economic prosperity of Sugar House, and support local artists and businesses,” said Meggie Troili, the Sugar House Community Council arts and culture chair. The Sugar House Mural Project is supported by the Sugar House Community Council, the Sugar House Chamber and the Living Museum of Sugar House.  

One mural will be painted outside Cameron Wellness Spa by Chris Peterson, highlighting the two peacocks that live in Allen Park. This mural fits with Cameron Wellness Spa’s mission to focus on holistic wellness through natural therapies. In addition, Troili says, “this mural is reflecting the Sugar House community’s love for nature and green spaces.”   

The second mural will be a vibrant Polynesian dancer on the west side of Club Karamba. This piece will be painted by Bill Louis. In all of Louis’s artwork, he includes elements of his Polynesian culture through patterns, flowers and clothing. This mural is designed to showcase the cultural diversity of Sugar House. 

The third mural will be a combination of colorful patterns and designs outside of SugarHouse Barbeque. The artist behind this mural is Evan Jed Memmott. These colorful designs full of squiggles emanate a sense of both chaos and peace, darkness and light. The simplicity of the shapes draws the viewer in, while the complexity keeps them pondering the meaning behind the art. 

Over the past couple of years, the arts and culture scene at Sugar House has suffered due to its redevelopment. “One thing I have noticed is that the community has desired more vibrant, public art,” Troili said. From this need, the Sugar House Mural Project was born. 

The mural project was initially supposed to be one street mural as part of the McClelland Trail project. After that project got delayed, the community council partnered with The Living Museum of Sugar House to expand the project. 

An official unveiling of the murals will take place on Aug. 13 in conjunction with the Sugar House Art Walk. The art walk will include live music, art displays, and interactive community experiences with Joy Mob. The Art Walk will also provide free mural maps of all the hidden and less popular murals in Sugar House, including the one in Boxing is for Girls and Lila Studio. 

The Sugar House Mural Project is sponsored by: The Hansen Sisters Foundation, Salt Lake Arts Council, AltaTerra Real Estate, Engel & Völkers Real Estate, Cameron Wellness Center and Life Spa, SugarHouse Barbeque, SLC ACE Fund, Salt Lake City Corp and the Sugar House Art Walk.