Missoula’s downtown riverfront has gained a striking new feature: a 7,000‑square‑foot mural that stretches across the wall of the Clark Fork Riverside Building near the Orange Street and Front Street intersection. The artwork, completed on October 25 after a 22‑day effort, is the largest mural in the city and the second‑largest in the state.
Artists and Vision
Local artist Ernest Doty teamed with AJ Tiam, who also works under the name “Stay Bacon,” to bring the piece to life. In a video released after the project, the duo described Missoula as a welcoming place that inspired a dream‑like celebration of life in Montana. The mural is divided into four sections, each depicting iconic wildlife and scenery: an enormous blue heron, a grizzly bear, and other native animals set against the state’s rugged landscape.
Community Involvement
Throughout the painting process, residents stopped by the site to watch, offer encouragement, and ask questions. Several Missoulians reported altering their daily routes to walk past the wall and see the work evolve. One local said they were moved to tears when the mural was completed, noting how the once‑blank wall has become a part of the community’s everyday experience.
Artistic Technique
The entire mural was created with aerosol spray paint; no brushes were used. This method allowed the artists to cover the massive surface efficiently while achieving the vivid colors and fine details that bring the wildlife scenes to life.
Local Impact
Both Doty and Tiam expressed deep gratitude for the hospitality they received. Tiam summed up the motivation behind the project: “We do it for the people of Missoula.” Doty added that putting heart into the work “brings the heart out in others,” a sentiment echoed by many who now enjoy the mural as they cross the Orange Street Bridge or stroll along the riverfront.
Visiting the Mural
Travelers and locals alike can easily view the finished piece from the bridge or by walking the riverfront promenade. The mural stands out among the city’s construction projects, offering a vibrant, permanent artwork that celebrates Montana’s natural beauty and the community spirit of Missoula.
Photo credit: Chris Wolfe.
Original reporting: NewsTalk KGVO 1290 (Townsquare) — read the source article.
