Roots Art Kollective to paint mural along Folsom Trail
Authored by Brian Tonetti
The Roots Art Kollective has been selected for the Folsom Trail Mural Project. Their mural will acknowledge City Creek, beautify the Folsom Trail corridor, and represent the Euclid/Poplar Grove neighborhood.
The Roots Art Kollective has been selected for the Folsom Trail Mural Project. They were chosen out of thirty unique proposals by the Selection Committee, which included representatives from the Poplar Grove Community Council, River District Business Alliance, Salt Lake City, Seven Canyons Trust, Utah Arts Alliance, and the property owner.
The Roots Art Kollective is composed of three Mexican American artists: Miguel Galaz, Alan Ochoa, and Luis Novoa. Their mission is to expand public art to create vibrant environments that allow people to learn about the cultures that enrich our communities. The artists began painting murals on Salt Lake City’s west-side in 2015 and formed Roots Art Kollective in 2019.
The artists have strong ties and personal connections to the Poplar Grove neighborhood, including childhood memories of Saturday morning shopping at La Diana Market and train watching along the Folsom corridor. They are honored to contribute a mural that will commemorate the vibrancy, creativity, and diversity of the neighborhood and personal experiences shared there.
The Kollective is “highly influenced by the natural world and our indigenous roots, often using organic geometry and symmetry to create balance and a feeling of familiarity. We believe that art can redefine the cultural spaces we embody through the use of nature, patterns, and calligraphy.”
Their mural aims to “be a tribute to the power and value of water. While emphasizing the beauty and diversity of the natural world and the interconnectedness of all living things.” Flowing water throughout will tie the piece together and represent the waters of City Creek. The mural will be painted with bright colors found in nature to create a vibrant addition to the Folsom Trail and Poplar Grove neighborhood.
The artwork is expected to be completed in August 2023 and will be unveiled during a community celebration of the City Creek at Folsom Trail Daylighting Design Plan planned for August 12th. The Folsom Trail Mural Project is funded by Seven Canyons Trust, Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency, Crocker Catalyst Foundation, River District Business Alliance, Salt Lake City Arts Council, Align Complete Real Estate Services, and Poplar Grove Community Council.
