Moab Happenings Archive
Return to home

Trail HAPPENINGS July 2016

Pathways to Discovering Urban Art around Moab by Michelle Hill
or The “Unofficial“ Art Walk for July and August
by Michelle Hill

Poison Spider BicycleLooking for something different to do while in Moab? Take the in-town “art discovery challenge” to find all the interesting murals, and sculptures that are scattered around Moab. Utilizing Moab’s hidden gem, (which is the Mill Creek Parkway), plus Main Street and Center Street, you can walk or bike to many of the art features. Occasionally will you need to take a short drive in your car. Lots of art to see, so plan on a couple of outings!

Let’s get the scary art out of the way first. At 497 N Main Street enjoy the arachnid scene on Poison Spider Bicycle shop’s art wall, adjacent to the Maverick gas station. Kids of all ages will love the big poisonous spider!. Now look across Main Street to appreciate a river scene painted on the front of Adrift Adventures.

Dixie Park at 400 East 300 SouthOff of 400 East, tucked behind Milt’s Stop and Eat on Mill Creek Drive, (on the back of Dave’s Corner Market), is another water scene albeit a Cretaceous rendering. Walk across the street from Milt’s to check out little Dixie Park (corner of 300S and 400E. In this pocket park there is a sculpture, “Rest Assured”, by local artist Serena Supplee. Also note the hand-stamped concrete art in the retaining wall and the paintings on the kids climbing wall.

From Dave’s Corner Market continue up Mill Creek Drive to the intersection near the cemetery to giggle at the eyes embossed in the concrete retaining wall. Go back to Rotary Park, get a drink of water from the fountain, and enjoy the large green frog sculpture who sometimes spits water at a bug on the large yellow flower. While you are in Rotary Park, play on the percussion instruments.

Museum of MoabMeanwhile, back downtown, note the great sculpted juniper tree forming one corner of Zax’s Pizza, (100S.at Main Street).
Ready for some beer and art? Stop in at World Famous Woody’s Tavern, (221 S. Main), and enjoy the painting of the old timers outside. Other places that mix brews and art, the Moab Brewery shows off a bighorn sheep profile on the north side of the building, and inside the Brewery, landscape murals wrap around the top of the walls. Eddie McStiff’s shows off another Nik Hougan art mural on the North side of the building, viewed from the Moab Information Center parking lot (on the corner of Center and Main Streets).

Bring the family and some food for a picnic while visiting our in-town Swanny Park, 100 W and 400 N. Enjoy the artwork in the skateboard area while watching the kids doing their thing. Oh yes, bring your swim suit and cool off at the wonderful community swimming pool.Center Street Gym

Stroll up Center Street from 100 West, there are Kokopelli statuary dotting the way. Continue east on Center Street, where you will find Joe Pachak’s fanciful bighorn sheep sculpture next to the Museum of Moab. Cross the street to locate the Center Street Gym, walk around the building to view the “Diversity Panel” wall paintings. These paintings are a collaborative project of community members of all ethnic descents financed by Utah Arts Council, Moab Arts Council and the Moab Arts and Recreation Center.

The Moonstone Gallery, a sculpture garden, first pieces were commissioned to Michael Dunton. Dunton who also provided the downtown street light embellishments of hanging rocks twisted into metal hangings.

Moostone GalleryAnother Big Horn Sheep appears startled in the depiction upon the back wall of Aarchway Inn. The mural there renders archeology elements in a terrific stone setting of the desert southwest.

The newest mural, quite resplendent, is on the Tesoro Fuel Station, mid-town at the entrance to the Canyonlands RV Resort & Campground, 555 S. Main.

Sculptures like the big colorful desert lizard clings to Club Rio’s restaurant wall on 100 West, and another lizard hugs the Gonzo Inn sign on Main Street at the Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant. In the lobby of Hotel Moab Downtown are interesting graphics on the walls. The Red Rock Bakery has a surprise in the restroom. Art can be found everywhere and anywhere in Moab. Enjoy!

Lions Park Pedetrian BridgeOne last stop on the tour will really highlight the combination of man-made art and nature’s own beauty. Venture just north of Moab, at Lions Park. Michael Dunton of Moab ArTTrails, created four dramatic art pieces of native sandstone suspended in steel located on the pedestrian/bike bridge over the Colorado River.

About the Author: Michele works for the Travel Council and is a supporter of the Trail Mix Committee. She really enjoys her time spent with the Moab Girl Scouts, is an avid hiker and loves getting out on the river whenever possible. (Ask her about her Hula Hoop skills.)

 
Return to Archive Index
return to home
 
Return to home