Lyle looks to make a bold splash with mural; donations needed as project nears summer start

Information provided by Marty Denis:

Lyle, Wash., April 20, 2026 — Organizers behind a planned community mural in Lyle are renewing a call for public support as fundraising efforts have stalled at roughly half of the project’s goal.

The mural, slated for early summer, will cover the south- and east-facing walls of the Lyle Market, known locally as “the Merc,” and is being led by the Lyle Community Council.

Project organizer Marty Denis said the group hopes to complete the full mural this year but may be forced to scale back to a single wall if additional funding is not secured in the coming weeks.

Marty Denis

“We would love to be able to complete it in its entirety this year,” Denis said. “Right now, we’re about halfway there.”

The project features a design by Lee Sekaquaptewa, a Native artist based in nearby Wishram whose work blends cultural storytelling with imagery inspired by the Columbia River Gorge. The mural is expected to include regional wildlife, natural elements and a prominent “Welcome to Lyle” message.

Artist Lee Sekaquaptewa of Wishram. Find him on Instagram‍

Donations to the project are tax-deductible through Community Enrichment for Klickitat and Skamania Counties, a nonprofit that provides administrative support and fiscal sponsorship for smaller community groups like the Lyle Community Council.

Organizers have also applied for additional funding through a grant program connected to Legends Casino Hotel, though award decisions are not expected until May.

The fundraising effort is being conducted through Zeffy, a platform that allows donors to contribute without mandatory processing fees, ensuring the full donation goes toward the project.

QR Code will take you to donation page.

Denis said community support is especially important in Lyle, where economic challenges limit local fundraising capacity.

“Lyle’s population doesn’t have a lot of deep pockets for a project like this,” she said. “That’s why outside support can really make a difference.”

Those interested in contributing can donate online at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/help-fund-the-lyle-mural. Organizers will also be sharing a QR code for easy mobile giving.

If fully funded, the mural is expected to serve as a visual landmark for the small Columbia Gorge community, celebrating its culture, environment and identity.

Organizers are encouraging donations of any size to help bring the full vision to life this summer.