New Mural Celebrates Local Authors, Libraries

Volunteer artists recently finished a vibrant mural at the Kettle Falls Public Library that aims to highlight the local community and authors. For Kelley West, a retired resident who helped paint the mural, creating art in Kettle Falls is a “full circle” feeling. “We had an amazing art teacher growing up,” said West, who was raised in Kettle Falls and returned five years ago. “My mission is to give art to whoever.” The mural covers the shed that formerly held the Book Nook. Now, it acts as storage space, said Lisa Wolfe, president of Friends of the Kettle Falls Public Library. The door is painted blue with words from “Evening Bandit,” a poem by previous state poet laureate Claudia Castro Luna. Between paintings of a teddy bear, a stegosaurus, and Winnie the Pooh, different books written by local authors are highlighted. Jess Walter’s “Gone So Far,” for example, is painted as if it were on display at the library, with a white front cover featuring mountains and trees immediately catching the eye.

Another section called “Beyond the Book” highlights the different nonbook services and products the library offers, including the Library of Things and different events for the community. “It became a celebration of our local authors, a celebration of the library and what is in the library,” said Wolfe. The idea for a mural was hatched roughly three years ago, said Wolfe, when the shed needed to be painted. A librarian had discussed putting a mural on the shed instead. Last year, Wolfe asked the city of Colville to use Vinson funds to cover all paint and supplies for the mural. The request was approved. West and Luanne DiMaggio, a volunteer with the Friends of the Kettle Falls Public Library, painted the mural. West previously painted a mural for the Kettle Falls Community Chest food bank, and DiMaggio painted a mural inside the Kettle Falls Library. “(DiMaggio) did a mural inside the library a couple years ago, and that’s what started off the whole mural thing,” said Wolfe. Although the mural is technically finished, the trio have said they have more ideas brewing, and many books on the mural were left blank in case they missed other local authors.

“Right now, it’s living; it’s dynamic. We’ll see how long that lasts,” said Wolfe. Speaking to how the mural enriches the community, Wolfe said, “It’s pretty, and like (West) said, it weaves the community into the library with the local artists being on there.” West said she has visited with people who have stopped by to look at the mural and told them about the library. During this experience, she has realized that many people are “disconnected” from the library. “These kinds of things can draw them back in and make them more interested,” said West. Beyond this mural, other community spaces may see new community art from West and DiMaggio, too. The Kettle Falls community pool has some “very blank white walls” in the bathhouse, said Wolfe. DiMaggio approached the Upper Columbia Pool District, which manages the pool, about covering those walls. She discussed possibilities for that spot: paintings of kids in line, innertubes, goggles, and related subjects. “It’s going to be fun,” said DiMaggio.