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Article: 'Great Horned Owl' - Municipal Mural for the City of Hailey

'Great Horned Owl' - Municipal Mural for the City of Hailey

'Great Horned Owl' - Municipal Mural for the City of Hailey

  • Client: Hailey Arts & Historic Preservation Commission
  • Roles: Art Direction, Crew Management, Installation
  • Scope: 450 sq. ft. Exterior Mural / Public Art Landmark
  • Location: Hailey, Idaho

 

Creative Lead

I was responsible for the end-to-end execution of this large-scale public work, managing the project from initial concept through final installation. Key responsibilities included:

Stakeholder Coordination: Working closely with the Hailey Arts & Historic Preservation Commission to ensure narrative elements—the Big Wood River, Bow Bridge, and Carbonate Mountain—aligned with the community’s vision.

Production Management: Overseeing site logistics and leading a collaborative team to ensure a precise, durable installation on a professional timeline.

 

Owl Mural - City of Hailey - Arts & Historic Preservation Commission

 

Vision

The Draper Preserve is the heart of Hailey. My goal was to create a sunset depiction of Carbonate Mountain and the Big Wood River that felt as vibrant as the community itself. Working with the Hailey Arts Commission, we selected narrative elements like the Bow Bridge to create a piece that isn't just a painting, but a landmark.

 

Hailey, ID "Owl Mural" just before finishing touches.

 

Leadership & Engagement

Public art at this scale requires more than just a brush. I led a small team to manage the logistics of the 2019 installation—ensuring color accuracy across a large surface area and maintaining a strict timeline to meet the city's dedication date. This project was a lesson in balancing fine-art precision with the grit of construction.

 

Hailey, ID "Owl Mural" Painted by Kevin Fitzpatrick

 

Human Element

Since its completion, the 'Great Horned Owl' has become a backdrop for downtown life. Seeing locals engage with the work makes me believe that the best creative projects are the ones that give a community a sense of place.

 

Hailey, ID "Owl Mural" Sponsored by the Arts & Historic Preservation Commission

 

The Process

Hailey, ID "Owl Mural" Assisted by my wife Gwen and daughter Esther.

Painting assistants: Gwen Mesce and daughter, Esther Fitzpatrick.

Hailey, ID "Owl Mural" Assisted by Ron Bentz

Painting Assistant: Ron Bentz

Hailey, ID "Owl Mural" in progress.

The first layers of paint progress amongst the ladder and hydraulic lift.

Hailey, ID "Owl Mural" in the sketchy beginning process.

Projecting the original drawing (under a full moon) for the initial pencil sketch.

 


Original Illustration Submission

Traditional pen drawing and Adobe Photoshop coloring.