Coming to a Wall Near You
From left to right, Adele Barnett of The Dalles, Jana Johnson of Corvallis, and Jan Holt of The Dalles. Painting the teaser cherry mural on 103 East 3rd street.
The City of The Dalles is showcasing The Walldogs teaser mural, which is currently being crafted on 103 E. 3rd St. It’s on the wall facing the parking lot and City Hall. The mural is intended to get the community members excited for what's to come in September 2021. The city is encouraging onlookers to gather, wearing their masks, watch, and interact with the artists as they work.
What are the Walldogs?
The Walldogs are a group of highly skilled painters and mural artists from all over the globe. The Walldogs Movement is boosting the beauty of towns while bringing lively visitors to check out the town's art.
Jana Johnson of Corvallis working on the teaser mural.
“Imagine a “pack” of talented artists descending upon your town to paint the most beautiful murals you can imagine. Every wall that a fellow Walldogs touches springs to life with images of local places, people, and products that have historic significance to each town.,” according to the Walldogs’ website.
What's happening now?
Peter Mckearnan is the event coordinator for Walldogs. He pitched the idea to the City of The Dalles and Don Warren, the president of The Dalles Main Street, was on board with hosting a Walldogs festival.
On August 6th, Warren took on the project lead for the Walldogs festival. He has been working with businesses and volunteers in the community to host, supply, and feed the current artist working on the teaser mural. The artist began work on the teaser mural yesterday Oct. 1.
What's to come?
In September 2021 The Dalles will host the Walldogs festival. It will bring a multitude of artists from all over the globe. The festival will last 4 days, leaving the town painted with murals of historical significance to The Dalles. This will mark the 27th year since the Walldogs have started this movement, said Mckearnan.
Adele Barnett painting fine lines
Currently, artists are being housed at Cousin’s Inn, and many community businesses have banded together to donate, volunteer, and generally help out to make this possible, according to a Main Street press release.
For the festival in September 2021, Main Street is looking for volunteers to help with the artist, to donate supplies, and to host artists in their homes if they have space available. More information will be released when it gets closer to the festival date. Stay updated through their website: The Dalles Main Street.
