The 2017 Reno Mural Expo came to a close Sunday evening, with the last guided walking tour showing finished or nearly completed murals to attendees.
Many of the artists were in their final phases of creation, adding small detail elements, while a few of the larger pieces still had more significant work to be completed. As the tour moved about downtown in the setting sun artists would pause from their work, often high above the tour in lifts, to talk with appreciative onlookers.
Local artist Mike Lucido, best known for his raccoon pieces, talked about his new mural which depicts an enormous skateboarding pink flamingo. It is supposed to be fun, he told the tour, and was a character he has been wanting to include in a piece. Others, like Kelly Peyton, used their space to comment on issues facing the modern world. In Peyton’s pieces she chose falling eagle feathers to represent environmental issues.
The tour docent was Karen Gulash who had the difficult task of both discussing art as well as leading more than 40 individuals around downtown Reno at sunset. In addition to giving insights on each piece she also helped tour participants experience some of the more interactive elements of the murals they otherwise may have been missed.
While the official Reno Mural Expo events may have ended, the murals are here to stay. Take the opportunity to see these pieces whenever you can; it will be worth your time.
