Out of the Blue reflects the dynamism of the 9^th and 9^th community by hosting a rotating mural that changes every several years. This allows the artwork to be transformed and be re-interpreted over time.

Point of Refence, Out of the Blue’s inaugural by Mike Murdock, is an abstract interpretation of the changing and awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets experienced from the 9^th and 9^th neighborhood.

“A large chunk of my life has been spent in the 9^th and 9^th neighborhood,” writes the artist, “I literally stood in this corner of the neighborhood for over a decade, staring at the intersection where Out of the Blue will be constructed.” For over 11 years, Murdock worked at Caffé Expresso, an iconic neighborhood drive-thru coffee shop directly across the street from the roundabout. Additionally, Murdock called the neighborhood home for most of those 11 years; the artist lived just a few houses down the street from the roundabout. Much like the unexpected nature of Out of the Blue, Murdock describes this commission as the “universe dropping a huge whale out of the sky and into my lap. I am very excited about the possibility of contributing something to this special neighborhood.”

Every 3-5 years, a new artist or artist-led team will be commissioned to repaint the sculpture, allowing Out of the Blue to remain current with the neighborhood and the artwork be reinterpreted through time.

This full-size sculpture of a humpback whale breaching out from the roundabout is designed to complement and augment the unique and welcoming identity of the 9^th and 9^th area.

Kesler, who was introduced to the neighborhood as a teenager and spent nearly two decades in this community working on art, music, and starting a family, describes 9^th and 9^th as “unexpected and out of the blue. A community where people from all backgrounds, beliefs and ideas migrate and feel a sense of belonging. A community that bursts through expectations; that commands respect for nature, and varied ideas and identities…” Out of the Blue is a symbol of community, resilience, and harmony.

This project is made possible through the Salt Lake City Public Art Program, a service of the Salt Lake City Arts Council, and with support from the Salt Lake Art Design Board, Salt Lake City’s Engineering and Transportation divisions, the East Liberty Park Community Organization, and the 9^th and 9^th community.

To learn more about the current mural on Out of the Blue, click here.

Glendale Gather Blocks was created by an artist-led team consisting of Chuck Landvatter, Jared Steffensen, and J. Dayton Crites. The process began in 2019 with a ‘request for qualifications’ from artists and/or artist-led teams based in the United States. The Salt Lake City Public Art Program received a total of 135 applications for the project. After a careful review of the applicants, the Salt Lake City Art Design Board recommended Landvatter, Steffensen, and Crites to the Mayor for commission.

“We wanted to create a place for people to gather together,” said artist Jared Steffensen, who designed the sculptural elements of this public art project. “Each of the sculptures have been fabricated differently so they provide unique opportunities for play and interaction within the park: they can be used as a playground, a picnic table, or for seating. These sculptures are for a place, not about a place.” In speaking about the colorful color palette found in this public art installation, commissioned artist Chuck Landvatter mentioned how “they evoke a bright and optimistic feeling, much like Glendale is as a community. These colors come together beautifully and create a synergy that compliments the whole project.”

One of the most impactful elements of Glendale Gather Blocks is the way in which it has incorporated the portraits of several Glendale individuals throughout the park. These serve as a celebration of their work, lives, and advocacy and enrich our City as a whole. “Getting to know these people,” says Chuck Landvatter, “has been so fulfilling. When I initiated this project, I didn’t expect that part of the process to be so rewarding. I’ve gained many friends along the way and got to know Glendale in a much more intimate way.” Each individual tells a unique story – some are immigrants, some have lived in Glendale for many years, and their ages vary. In all, it is unique individuals like these who, together, make Glendale the incredible place it is today.

List of community members pictured in murals:

• Kim Khuu
• Gilberto “Juan” Rejón Magaña
• Roxanne Langi
• Abdullah “Tuna” Mberwa
• Charlotte Fife-Jepperson
• Janet Ramirez
• Ifa Motuliki
• Esperance Iradukunda
• Karen Sanchez
• Elizabeth Montoya
• Abdulkhaliq Barbaar
• ‘Inoke Hafoka
• Simon Larson
• Laurent Ntakarutimana
• Dane Hess
• Ailine Lao

In September of 2020, a donor who requested anonymity delivered A Prayer for My Brother by William S. Phillips to Salt Lake City Fire Station #1. The 2001 painting depicts two firefighters among the rubble of the terror attacks on 9/11/2001. The painting is approximately 3’5” by 4’4” on canvas and is framed.

The donor provided a note along with the work, articulating the intention of the donation. It reads: “Dear Salt Lake City Fire Department, Station #1 – I have been the custodian of this portrait A Prayer for my Brother since 2002. Now I would like to pass it on to the SLC firefighters who selflessly commit their lives to keep our city safe. Thank you for your service, Anonymous.”

Salt Lake City sent first responders to ground zero in 2001, so there is connection between the A Prayer for my Brother and the Salt Lake City fire Department.