By Ron Evans
The already enchanting grounds of Wenatchee’s outdoor art sanctuary, LynnArt Gardens, burst into even more vibrant hues this October with a dazzling 40-foot mural! This delightful masterpiece emerged from the creative minds of local muralists Sarah Sims, Ellen Bruex, Faith Merz, and Betsy Watters.
The completed 40’ mural all in one (very skinny) shot.
Since its inception in 2020, LynnArt owner Lynn Palmer has tirelessly transformed the space into a wonderland filled with whimsical sculptures, charming yard art, pottery, and all sorts of eye-catching treasures. As you meander through this mini-enchanted forest and along the stone path surrounding the koi pond, you’ll stumble upon delightful surprises waiting to be discovered. It’s truly an experience that needs to be seen to be fully appreciated.
This First Friday is the perfect occasion to do just that, as an opening celebration for the mural will take place. The artists will be there to mingle and schmooze, and you can even get a warm bowl of chili to ward off the early autumn chill. I reached out to Palmer and the artists to chat about this impressive collaboration!
Talk a bit about LynnArt Gardens – for the folks who don’t know.
LynnArt Gardens was opened in March 2020 with about 10 artists. We wanted a venue to sell yard art in a garden setting. We now have over 30 local artists with consignment in the gallery. Junk metal art is the most popular item we carry but have wonderful pottery, wood carvings, stained glass, cast concrete, etc. The gallery is open by appointment any day of the week with set hours on Saturday 10-4. We have been participating in the First Friday Art Walk since last year. The gallery offers a great selection of gifts from $20 on up. There is a large selection of art in the greenhouse and on the covered porch so items are available during the winter months.
When did you decide you wanted some mural work done?
I have been thinking about a mural on the old retaining wall even before getting into art and opening the gallery. Getting to know Terry Johnson over the past five years has really inspired me to add fun art with color and whimsy anywhere I can.
How did you go about finding the artists that were involved?
I saw a post on Facebook by Sarah (Sims) about a mural she just completed and how amazing the mural class she took from Ellen was. I reached out to Sarah and soon after she set up a meeting with me, Ellen, Faith and Betsy. We met in my gallery and talked about the canvas.
How much input did you have for the art? Was there any kind of plan in your head in terms of theme or style?
I wanted flowers and nature with different panels broken up by fence posts. Ellen was wearing this darling little flowered jumper and one of the artists commented on the color palette. We all instantly agreed. I watched Ellen work her magic using the Procreate App on her iPad. I was enthralled. Within an hour, we had a color palette and decided on four seasons with Summer being closest to the public sidewalk since I grow bright flowers in that area. A week later, Sarah sent me their proposed drawings for input. I was thrilled with all four pieces and gave the go ahead. They dropped off paint chips and I purchased 19 quarts of paint.
What are your thoughts on the final piece?
I watched the progress all week and absolutely loved the process. We are already talking about finishing the last 30 feet next Spring. The finished mural is even more beautiful than I imagined. I am so inspired to finish this wall and find other areas in the gallery for art.
What advice or encouragement would you offer anyone that has some wall space that might make a great mural canvas?
I recently traveled to Boulder and was so impressed by the many murals. I love that our valley is getting more and more. I would encourage anyone to spruce up an old wall with a mural.
Betsy Watters blending in with the nature.
INTERVIEW WITH THE ARTISTS
How did you get involved with this project?
SARAH: Lynn Palmer of LynnArt Gardens reached out to me. We were already friends, and I had helped her in the garden before. She knew about my mural work and offered me a mural opportunity. I checked out the wall, which is about 3-4 feet tall and 80 feet long, and decided to bring in fellow artists: Ellen Bruex, Betsy Watters, and Faith Merz.
BETSY: I took a mural class at WVC last spring and collaborated with Sarah and Ellen. When Sarah brought this project to us, we were all eager to work together. I met Faith at our first meeting at Lynn’s.
FAITH: It was wonderful collaborating with everyone. We asked Lynn what she wanted for her wall and agreed on a design featuring the four seasons, reflecting our individual styles. After brainstorming, we presented our finalized designs to Lynn.
ELLEN: Lynn suggested starting with native florals near her flower beds. We agreed on a seasons theme, with each artist interpreting a season. I took Winter, while Sarah chose Spring.
Talk about the plotting phase. How did you work with Lynn and the other artists to create a cohesive piece?
SARAH: We met at Lynn’s to discuss her vision. She wanted bright, colorful flowers and allowed us creative freedom. We decided on a shared color palette to unify our separate murals and included a mountain line in the background.
ELLEN: Lynn provided initial direction, particularly for summer flowers. We designed separately but later convened to ensure our themes and colors aligned, which helped maintain uniqueness while fostering cohesion.
How long did the entire mural take?
SARAH: It took about 3-4 days of painting, with my section requiring 16 hours total.
FAITH: Including design time, it was roughly 20 hours overall.
ELLEN: We averaged about three days of painting each, with each artist’s timing varying.
BETSY: We spent about a week on design and refinements, painting all within five days. I dedicated around 15 hours to my section.
Ellen Bruex laying the ground work for her section of wall.
Were you working together or solo on your sections?
SARAH: We painted together on the first day and coordinated when possible, but each artist primarily worked on their own sections. Betsy’s larger section meant she had extra help from another artist.
BETSY: While we painted solo, we shared feedback and coordinated schedules to support each other. I invited Joanna to assist with my larger section.
FAITH: Our schedules didn’t always align, so we painted together when possible and worked separately otherwise.
ELLEN: We painted simultaneously, often with a couple of us present for real-time feedback.
What’s a dream wall or location you’d like to paint?
SARAH: I envision murals everywhere! I’d love to do a high mural on a building or fill downtown alleys with color.
BETSY: I don’t have a specific location yet but would love to continue creating murals with this group.
ELLEN: I’m interested in painting in unique locations like underpasses or public spaces—please reach out if you have any of those walls!
FAITH: I’d love to paint more buildings locally, especially on the Garland building.
Sarah Sims working on the final stages of her section of whimsy.
Upcoming events?
SARAH: We’ll showcase our mural at LynnArt Gardens for November First Friday. Faith and I will also be painting a live mural on November 9 at the Night Market on the Ave, which will be auctioned off. Instagram @sarahrosesims
BETSY: I’m focused on my graphic design program at WVC but am documenting my projects on Instagram @betsywatters_design.
FAITH: I’ll be at the Night Market on November 9 and other local markets in December. You can find me on social media @Ladyluckstudio.
ELLEN: I’ll be selling art at the Night Market on November 9 and can be found on Instagram @ellen.bruex.
Mural Reveal & Chili Dinner — Friday, November 1 from 3-6pm.At LynnArt Gardens,
302 N. Miller St., Wenatchee